Using positive airway pressure to treat sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome
Official title: Positive Airway Pressure For The Treatment Of The Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome In Children With Down Syndrome
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10912150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $63,939 |
| NIH project number | 3R33HL151253-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Down syndrome or those who do not have obstructive sleep apnea may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tapia, Ignacio Esteban — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tapia, Ignacio Esteban
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Personalized DISE-guided surgery for sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome
A personalized surgical approach guided by DISE sleep-endoscopy is being tested to better treat sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome who don’t always improve after standard surgery.
-
Oxygen therapy for kids with Down syndrome and sleep apnea
A study tests whether low-flow oxygen helps children with Down syndrome and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who have not benefited from first-line surgery.
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Low-flow nighttime oxygen for children and teens with Down syndrome and sleep apnea
This project tests whether nightly low-flow oxygen helps children and adolescents with Down syndrome who have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
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Medications to treat sleep apnea and boost thinking in children with Down syndrome
This project gives a combination of two commonly used medicines, atomoxetine and oxybutynin, to children with Down syndrome who have obstructive sleep apnea to see if it helps them sleep better and think more clearly.
-
Testing oxygen therapy for children with Down Syndrome and sleep apnea
This study is looking at whether low-flow oxygen therapy can help kids and teens with Down Syndrome who have trouble breathing while sleeping, aiming to see if it can make them feel better and improve their daily lives, especially for those who haven't found relief with other treatments.
-
Personalized surgery for sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome
This trial will see if using sleep endoscopy to guide personalized airway surgery helps children with Down syndrome who have obstructive sleep apnea.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.