Dexamethasone Treatment for OSA in Children

This is a double-blinded clinical trial of children diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on a baseline polysomnogram (PSG). Participants will receive a 3-day course of dexamethasone, an oral steroid, or placebo control and undergo two PSGs to assess the efficacy of dexamethasone, as a treatment to manage the severity and symptoms in children with moderate to severe OSA.

Inclusion Criteria:Polysomnogram diagnosed with moderate to severe Obstructive sleep apnea (OAHI >5 events/hour)Aged 2-10 yearsPresence of adenotonsillar hypertrophyAbility to take oral medication and be willing to adhere to the dosing regimenInformed consent provided in accordance with institutional policiesExclusion Criteria:Previous adenotonsillectomyPresence of symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infectionCo-existing central sleep apneaHypertensionPrior or current evidence for abnormal glucose toleranceContraindication for dexamethasone or components of dexamethasone oral suspension,Treatment with nasal or systemic corticosteroids within 4 weeks prior to the interventionOSA with associated oxygen desaturations <90% for 2 continuous minutesNeed for non-invasive ventilation long-term due to underlying diseaseCurrent systemic fungal infectionsPatients with clinically relevant varicella exposure