Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure for the Treatment of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study will evaluate effectiveness and adherence of the nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (NEPAP) device as an an alternate therapy for children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). NEPAP is currently approved for use only in adults.

Detailed Description
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The nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (NEPAP) device has been used to treat OSAS in adults. A disposable device is placed in each nostril at night and attached with adhesive. The device acts as a one-way valve, during inspiration the valve opens, with negligible resistance to flow. During expiration, the valve closes and airflow is directed through small air channels, increasing resistance. The increased resistance helps to maintain the upper airway pressure during the critical end-expiratory period when the upper airway has been found to be most narrow in the breaths preceding an apnea event. In contrast to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) which provides positive pressure during both inspiration and expiration, NEPAP creates pressure during expiration. NEPAP is a potential alternative therapy which is less cumbersome than CPAP and may increase adherence.

Official Title
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Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure for the Treatment of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Conditions
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Organic Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure Device
* Device: placebo sham


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Subjects age 5-16 years (note: Due to the size of the devices, it is expected that most children will be at least 8 years old, but a few may be younger. Subjects will be evaluated in clinic to fit for size and habituate to the device) OSAS (AHI > 5/hr) Subject has had adenotonsillectomy or is not a candidate for adenotonsillectomy Subject is non-adherent to CPAP or is seeking an alternative therapy Tolerance of NEPAP device during a daytime session Parental/guardian permission (informed consent) and if appropriate, child assent. Exclusion Criteria: Severe developmental delay thought to involve a high risk of aspiration Family does not understand English well enough to perform the standardized, validated questionnaires. Age >16 years since results may be similar to adult studies in these older patients. Severe breathing disorder (including respiratory muscle weakness, bullous lung disease, bypassed upper airway, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum) Severe heart disease (including heart failure) An acute upper respiratory (including nasal, sinus or middle ear) inflammation or infection or perforation of the ear drum Subjects that do not meet all of the enrollment criteria will not be enrolled. Any violations of these criteria will be reported in accordance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) Policies and Procedures. Study members will not recruit females who are known to be pregnant. However, if a subject becomes pregnant during the study, we will continue to use the device. Pregnancy is not an exclusion criterion as positive airway pressure therapy does not harm the pregnant woman or fetus.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 5 Years
Maximum Age: 16 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure Devices<br>Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure Device | Device: Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure Device<br>* assigned to Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure arm<br>|
| Sham Comparator: placebo sham<br>A sham device | Device: placebo sham<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Apnea hypopnea index | The apnea hypopnea index during polysomnography will be compared between the active device and the placebo nights | Approximately one week | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adherence using daily logs | Adherence with using devices will be determined by daily logs and collecting used devices | One month | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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NEPAP, CPAP, alternative, OSAS