Study of Orofacial Functions and Sleep Apnea in 6-Month-Old Infants with Down Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying obstructive sleep apnea OSA in infants with Down Syndrome DS, a genetic condition linked to intellectual disability and various health issues. OSA causes breathing problems during sleep and can affect development and the heart. Since OSA is common in infants with DS and standard diagnosis methods are hard to access, this study aims to explore how mouth and facial muscle functions, especially non-nutritive sucking, relate to OSA severity in 6-month-old infants with DS. The goal is to find easier ways to screen and prevent OSA early in life. Infants aged about 6 months with Down Syndrome will have an overnight sleep test called polysomnography PSG to measure breathing disruptions and heart rate. Their sucking patterns will be recorded using a special pacifier with sensors. Other evaluations include clinical assessments of mouth muscles, questionnaires for parents about sleep and behavior, and developmental tests. These assessments will take place during hospital visits, including a neuropsychological evaluation on the second day. Participants will undergo various tests and questionnaires over two days, including PSG monitoring during one night. Researchers will measure sucking burst characteristics and the apnea-hypopnea index to assess OSA severity. They will also analyze sleep quality, heart rate changes, and developmental scores. The study will monitor safety and quality of life, with data collection focused on understanding the relationship between oro-myofunctional features and OSA to help develop new screening tools for infants with DS.

Oro-myofunctional Characteristics and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Infants With Down Syndrome