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.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
3 Years
Max age
12 Years
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
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.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Executive function measured by the "Heart and Flower" task. — Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months 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.
Empathy Level Measured by the Pain Empathy Paradigm — Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months 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.
Parent-Reported Executive Function Using BRIEF-P Questionnaire — Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months Parents will complete the BRIEF-P to assess their child's everyday executive function behaviors, including inhibition, emotional control, and working memory.
Working Memory Assessed by WPPSI-IV or WISC-IV — Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months Children's working memory will be assessed using the WPPSI-IV or WISC-IV, depending on the child's age.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Children's Hospital of Soochow University
Suzhou
Jiangsu
Recruiting
More Children's Hospital of Soochow University trials in China
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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