Understanding sleep breathing issues in children with cerebral palsy

Epidemiology (and Natural History) of Sleep Disordered Breathing and Respiratory Support in Children and Young People With Cerebral Palsy

Observational University of Edinburgh · NCT06737302

This study looks at how common sleep breathing problems are in children with cerebral palsy to help improve their care and treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages1 Month to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Edinburgh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edinburgh, Edinbrugh)
Trial IDNCT06737302 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the prevalence and incidence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) across the UK. It involves a nationwide survey that collects data from tertiary pediatric centers offering sleep services, focusing on children aged 16 and under. The study will gather information on the number of children with CP on respiratory support and their management practices regarding SDB. By identifying these issues, the study seeks to improve recognition and treatment of SDB in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 16 years or younger with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy who are on respiratory support.

Not a fit: Patients over the age of 16 or those without a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better recognition and management of sleep disordered breathing in children with cerebral palsy, improving their overall health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on similar studies specifically targeting sleep disordered breathing in children with cerebral palsy, the approach of conducting nationwide surveys has shown success in other pediatric health assessments.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Cases for Prevalence survey;

* Any child aged ≤16 years old, with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy
* On respiratory support on the date of prevalence survey

Cases for Incidence self-reporting form;

* Part A;

  * Any Child aged ≤16 years old, with confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy
  * Had sleep studies for suspected sleep disordered breathing within the preceding calendar month
* Part B;

  * Any Child aged ≤16 years old, with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy
  * Initiated respiratory support (CPAP or NIV or invasive tracheostomy ventilation) in the preceding month

Exclusion Criteria: (For prevalence survey and incidence self-reporting form)

* Any patient aged \>16 years old
* Patient does not have a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy

Where this trial is running

Edinburgh, Edinbrugh

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 Cerebral PalsySleep Disordered BreathingRespiratory Supportsleep disordered breathingcerebral palsyrespiratory support
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.