Analyzing tonsil tissue in children with sleep apnea

Single Cell Sequencing to Examine the Pathogenesis of Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy in Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Observational Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05115968

This study is trying to understand the tonsil tissue in children aged 6-11 with sleep apnea to see how it differs from kids having their tonsils removed for other reasons.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 11 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05115968 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on children aged 6-11 years with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and adenotonsillar hypertrophy. It aims to utilize single-cell sequencing to investigate the cellular composition and immune response in tonsillar tissue, which may help uncover the underlying mechanisms of adenotonsillar hypertrophy in these patients. By comparing samples from children with OSA to those undergoing tonsillectomy for other reasons, the study seeks to identify specific cell expression patterns associated with the condition. The findings could lead to a better understanding of OSA pathogenesis and inform future therapeutic strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include Chinese children aged 6-11 years with habitual snoring and polysomnography-confirmed OSA who require adenotonsillectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with previous upper airway surgery, genetic syndromes, or other specified health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to novel therapies for children suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored cellular mechanisms in sleep apnea, this specific approach using single-cell sequencing in pediatric patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Case: Chinese children aged 6-11 years old with habitual snoring (≥3 nights per week) and polysomnography (PSG) confirmed OSA (obstructive apnoea hypopnoea index (OAHI) of ≥1/hour), with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and clinical indications for adenotonsillectomy will be recruited as cases.

Control: Non-OSA subjects (with PSG OAHI \<1/hour) who undergo adenotonsillectomy for other reasons such as recurrent tonsillitis.

Exclusion Criteria:

Previous upper airway surgery, genetic or syndromal disease, congenital or acquired neuromuscular disease, congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, known metabolic syndrome, craniofacial abnormalities.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obstructive Sleep Apnea of Child
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.