Using positive airway pressure to treat sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome

Positive Airway Pressure For The Treatment Of The Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome In Children With Down Syndrome

NIH-funded research University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10912150

This study is looking at how well a special breathing machine called PAP therapy helps kids with Down syndrome and sleep apnea, by comparing a six-month hands-on support program to regular care, to see which helps them stick with the treatment better and feel better overall.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project IDNIH-10912150 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) in children with Down syndrome. It aims to compare a six-month intensive behavioral intervention to standard clinical care to improve adherence to PAP therapy. The study will involve children aged 6 to 17.9 years who have been referred for PAP initiation due to persistent OSAS after adenotonsillectomy. Participants will undergo evaluations to assess improvements in quality of life, behavior, and other neurobehavioral symptoms associated with OSAS.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 6 to 17.9 years with Down syndrome who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are referred for positive airway pressure therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have Down syndrome or those who do not have obstructive sleep apnea may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life and behavioral outcomes for children with Down syndrome suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that positive airway pressure therapy is effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea, but this specific approach in children with Down syndrome is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Coral Gables, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.