How obstructive sleep apnea affects thinking and empathy in children
Observational Study on the Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Executive Function and Empathy Development in Children
This project will see if obstructive sleep apnea and different treatments affect thinking skills and empathy in children aged 3–12 and whether EEG signals can serve as biomarkers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital of Soochow University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Suzhou, Jiangsu) |
| Trial ID | NCT06850220 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This prospective observational cohort at the Children's Hospital of Soochow University follows children aged 3–12 with OSA caused by adenoid and/or tonsillar hypertrophy. Participants are grouped by disease severity (mild, moderate, severe) and by treatment choice (surgical or pharmacological) and are assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Outcomes include behavioral tests of executive function and empathy, parent-reported questionnaires, and EEG recordings to explore potential biomarkers of neurological injury. The goal is to inform treatment decisions for mild OSA and identify EEG patterns linked to cognitive or emotional changes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 3–12 with OSA due to adenoid and/or tonsillar hypertrophy, IQ ≥ 85, and whose parents provide consent.
Not a fit: Children with other primary sleep disorders, developmental delay, epilepsy, significant chronic illness, prior head trauma, or those outside the 3–12 age range are unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians choose better treatments for mild pediatric OSA and detect early brain changes using EEG biomarkers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked pediatric OSA to cognitive and behavioral problems and shown EEG differences, but using EEG biomarkers to guide treatment remains preliminary.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 3-12 years. * Diagnosed with OSA due to adenoid and/or tonsillar hypertrophy. * IQ ≥ 85. * Parental consent for participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Other primary sleep disorders (e.g., narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome). * Developmental delay, epilepsy, or other neurological/metabolic disorders. * Chronic diseases or history of head trauma.
Where this trial is running
Suzhou, Jiangsu
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University — Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tingyu Rong, Doctor
- Email: tyrong@suda.edu.cn
- Phone: +8615335273857
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.