Neurocognitive deficits in children with polysomnographically confirmed obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Int J Pediatr OtorhinolaryngolAug 21, 2026 (epub)
Daniel Turgeman, Salim Mazzawi
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated neurocognitive deficits in school-aged children (mean age 5-12 years) with polysomnographically confirmed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The analysis included six studies with a total of 436 participants. The results indicated a moderate cognitive deficit, with a pooled Hedges' g of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.44-0.90, p < 0.001) compared to healthy controls.
Key findings
- The pooled Hedges' g for cognitive deficits in children with OSA was 0.67.
- Impairments were noted in executive function, working memory, intelligence, and phonological processing.
- The analysis included six studies with 436 participants, 249 with OSA and 187 controls.
- Between-study heterogeneity was low-to-moderate (I² = 25%).
Why it matters
Understanding the cognitive deficits associated with OSA in children is crucial for early identification and intervention. Clinicians should consider neurocognitive screening for children diagnosed with OSA to mitigate potential long-term impacts on learning and development.