Assessing Executive Function in Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing Using Functional Neuroimaging.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects 10% of children and is associated with poor academic performance related to inattention and executive dysfunction. Yet, the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood, especially in elementary school-aged children who cannot sit still for functional magnetic resonance imaging. This study examines the feasibility of using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a child-friendly neuroimaging tool, to assess prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation in children with SDB.

Study design

Prospective observational study between January and November 2024.

Setting

Tertiary care academic children's hospital.

Methods

We assessed 78 children aged 5 to 11 referred for management of clinically significant SDB. Part

SUBMITTER: Navarathna N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12276841 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature