Could a 3-Day steroid fix Kids' sleep apnea?
NCT ID NCT05638087
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a short course of the steroid dexamethasone can reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in children aged 2 to 10. Ten children with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea received either the drug or a placebo for three days. The goal was to see if the steroid could improve breathing during sleep and reduce related symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Dexamethasone (an oral steroid)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a short-term treatment to reduce sleep apnea severity in children without surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small trial (10 children) testing only a 3-day course. The effect may be minimal or temporary, and steroids have side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
-
10 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Oct 2022
- Finished
-
Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
2 to 10 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Polysomnogram diagnosed with moderate to severe Obstructive sleep apnea (OAHI \>5 events/hour) * Aged 2-10 years * Presence of adenotonsillar hypertrophy * Ability to take oral medication and be willing to adhere to the dosing regimen * Informed consent provided in accordance with institutional policies Exclusion Criteria: * Previous adenotonsillectomy * Presence of symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection * Co-existing central sleep apnea * Hypertension * Prior or current evidence for abnormal glucose tolerance * Contraindication for dexamethasone or components of dexamethasone oral suspension, * Treatment with nasal or systemic corticosteroids within 4 weeks prior to the intervention * OSA with associated oxygen desaturations \<90% for 2 continuous minutes * Need for non-invasive ventilation long-term due to underlying disease * Current systemic fungal infections * Patients with clinically relevant varicella exposure
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1X8, Canada
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