This study aims to investigate the effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on executive function and empathy development in children aged 3-12 years. The study will compare the outcomes of different treatment approaches (surgical vs. pharmacological) in children with mild OSA and track the progression of cognitive and emotional functions over 12 months. The study will also explore potential EEG biomarkers for assessing neurological damage in OSA children.
This is a prospective observational cohort study conducted at the Sleep Center of the Respiratory Department and the Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Soochow University. Children diagnosed with OSA will be divided into groups based on disease severity (mild, moderate, severe) and treatment choice (surgical or pharmacological). The study will assess executive function and empathy levels at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months post-intervention using behavioral tests, EEG, and parent-reported questionnaires. The study aims to provide evidence for treatment selection in mild OSA children and identify EEG biomarkers for neurological damage.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
150
Children's Hospital of Soochow University
Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
RECRUITINGExecutive function measured by the "Heart and Flower" task.
Children's executive function will be assessed using the "Heart and Flower" task, which measures the ability to follow rules and switch between tasks. Performance is evaluated based on accuracy and reaction time.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
Empathy Level Measured by the Pain Empathy Paradigm
Children's empathy level will be assessed using a pain empathy paradigm, where children rate the pain intensity of others in pictures. Scores reflect their ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
Parent-Reported Executive Function Using BRIEF-P Questionnaire
Parents will complete the BRIEF-P to assess their child's everyday executive function behaviors, including inhibition, emotional control, and working memory.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
Working Memory Assessed by WPPSI-IV or WISC-IV
Children's working memory will be assessed using the WPPSI-IV or WISC-IV, depending on the child's age.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
Obstructive Apnea-Hypopnea Index (OAHI) Measured by PSG
The OAHI, which measures the number of obstructive apnea and hypopnea events per hour during sleep, will be assessed using polysomnography (PSG).
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
Minimum Oxygen Saturation (MinSaO2) During Sleep
The minimum oxygen saturation level during sleep will be measured using PSG to assess the severity of oxygen desaturation in OSA children.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
Parent-Reported Sleep Habits Using CSHQ Questionnaire
Parents will complete the CSHQ to report their child's sleep behaviors, including bedtime resistance, sleep duration, and night awakenings.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
Theta Wave Intensity in Prefrontal Cortex During Executive Function Tasks
EEG will be used to measure theta wave intensity in the prefrontal cortex while children perform executive function tasks, providing an objective neural correlate of executive function.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
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