A New Option for Better Sleep: Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Expands Care for Teens With Down Syndrome

During Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital is celebrating its first successful implantation of the Inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulation device in a teenage patient with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea.

"For families whose children have Down syndrome and continue to struggle with sleep apnea despite surgery or cannot tolerate CPAP, having another treatment option can bring renewed hope," said Aaron Willis, MD, director of Sleep Medicine at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. "Our goal is to help these teens sleep more soundly so they can feel more rested and participate more fully in the activities they enjoy."

This milestone marks a significant step forward for the Joe DiMaggio Sleep Center, which is celebrating its 12^th year of accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. As South Florida's gold-standard center of excellence for sleep medicine, it is now the only center in the region offering this therapy to these patients, advancing pediatric sleep care into the future.

Eamon McLaughlin, MD, a community physician who treats adults within Memorial Healthcare System, performed the procedure with assistance from Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital specialists. The pediatric team included Dr. Willis, Galia Napchan, MD, associate medical director of Pediatric Pulmonary, and Thomas Schrepfer, MD, who specializes in Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT).

The collaboration brings together adult surgical experience and pediatric expertise to help families access a new treatment option close to home.

How Does Inspire Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Inspire therapy is the first FDA approved obstructive sleep apnea treatment that works inside the body to treat the root cause of sleep apnea. Through a small device implanted during a minimally invasive procedure, Inspire therapy uses gentle stimulation to keep the airway open during sleep. Patients or caregivers can simply click the button on the Inspire remote to turn the therapy on before bedtime.

Why is Sleep Apnea a Concern for Children and Teens With Down Syndrome?

Nearly 60 percent of babies born with Down syndrome develop obstructive sleep apnea. The condition repeatedly interrupts breathing during sleep and can affect learning, attention, behavior and quality of life.

Although removing the tonsils and adenoids is often the first treatment, many children continue to experience sleep apnea afterward. Some also struggle to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, leaving families searching for effective alternatives.

How Effective is Inspire for Teens With Down Syndrome?

In a pivotal study of adolescents with Down syndrome, after Inspire was placed, approximately two-thirds of participants achieved at least a 60% reduction in apnea severity.

Caregivers also report 50% less daily tiredness and noticeable improvements in alertness and energy with consistent use.

Who Is Eligible for Inspire?

Inspire therapy is FDA-approved for select adolescents ages 13 and up with Down syndrome and severe obstructive sleep apnea who are not effectively treated by tonsil and adenoid surgery and cannot tolerate positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). Eligibility depends on several factors, including the severity of sleep apnea and the results of a comprehensive evaluation by specialists. Not every adolescent with Down syndrome or sleep apnea will qualify.

By expanding treatment options and bringing specialists together, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital is helping more families find a path toward better sleep and better days.