RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Lung Ultrasound in Pediatric Acute Chest Syndrome

This study focuses on children aged 1 month to 17 years who have sickle cell disease and are admitted to hospital with a lung problem called Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS). ACS can be very serious, and doctors are trying to understand it better. This research aims to see if a special type of scan, called a lung ultrasound, can help. The study will track about 60 patients over two years. By doing this, researchers hope to find out if lung ultrasound can show how severe a child's ACS is and if it can predict how long they might need breathing support. This information could help doctors make better decisions about care for these children.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

Start

30 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

Sickle Cell Disease

What is this study about?

Sickle cell disease is a condition that can cause various health issues. One serious complication that can sometimes affect children with sickle cell disease is called Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS). This is a lung problem that can be life-threatening and is a common reason why children with sickle cell disease might need to be admitted to hospital, often to an intensive care unit. It's a complex condition, and doctors are always looking for better ways to understand and manage it.

This study is investigating if a tool called a lung ultrasound can be helpful. A lung ultrasound is a safe and simple way to look at the lungs using sound waves, similar to how ultrasounds are used during pregnancy. Doctors are already starting to use these scans to help diagnose ACS. The main goal of this research is to see if what they observe on the lung ultrasound scans can tell them how sick a child is with ACS and, importantly, predict how long the child might need help with breathing, such as with a machine that supports their lungs.

By carefully looking at the ultrasound results and comparing them with other information about the child's health and treatment, the researchers hope to gain a clearer picture. This could lead to better ways for doctors to assess children with ACS, helping them make more informed decisions about treatment and care, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for these young patients.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on children with sickle cell disease and a serious lung issue called Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS).
It investigates if safe lung ultrasound scans can help doctors understand how severe ACS is and predict breathing support needs.
The study collects information during routine hospital care at Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris.
No new treatments or medications are given as part of this research, only observations.
The findings could lead to better ways to assess and care for children with ACS in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, a child must have sickle cell disease and be between 1 month and 17 years old. They also need to be admitted to the children's intensive care unit at Robert-Debré Hospital in Paris, specifically because doctors suspect they have Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS).

It's very important that the child's parents or legal guardians agree to their participation. The study also needs to make sure that the first lung ultrasound scan isn't done too long after any breathing support is started.

Children will not be eligible if their parents or guardians do not agree to their involvement, or if they do not have social insurance. If there's a delay of more than six hours between the first lung ultrasound and when breathing support begins, they also can't be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Does your child have sickle cell disease?
Is your child between 1 month and 17 years old?
Is your child admitted to the children's intensive care unit at Robert-Debré Hospital with suspected Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS)?
Are you, as a parent or legal guardian, able to give permission for your child to take part?
Does your child have social insurance coverage?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, they will have several lung ultrasound scans during their hospital stay while they are being treated for Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS). These scans are already often part of routine care for children with ACS, so participating means these scans will be done following a specific plan for the study. Doctors will also collect information about their health, such as their symptoms, blood test results, and other scans previously done, throughout their time in the hospital. The study aims to include 60 patients over two years. There are no additional medications or treatments given as part of this study; it only involves observation and information gathering during their existing care.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study involves having lung ultrasound scans. These scans are considered safe and are already used in hospitals, so there are no known direct risks to your child from the ultrasound itself. The main benefit is that the information gathered could help doctors better understand Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS) and improve future care for children with this condition. Your child will receive all standard medical care whether or not they participate in the study. You have the right to withdraw your child from the study at any time without explaining why, and this will not affect their medical care.

Locations (1)

Robert Debré hOSPITAL
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS)?

Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS) is a serious lung problem that can sometimes affect children with sickle cell disease, making it hard for them to breathe.

What is a lung ultrasound?

A lung ultrasound is a safe and painless way doctors can look at the inside of the lungs using sound waves, similar to a prenatal ultrasound.

Will my child receive different treatment if they join the study?

No, your child will receive the same medical care they would normally get for ACS. The study just involves using lung ultrasounds and collecting information from their care.

How long will the study last for my child?

Your child's involvement in the study will be for the duration of their hospital stay while they are being treated for Acute Chest Syndrome.

Is the study just about the ultrasound scans?

The study uses lung ultrasound scans alongside collecting other routine health information to understand ACS better and see how the scan results relate to a child's condition and recovery.

How to find out more

Aurélie HAYOTTE, MD

aurelie.hayotte@aphp.fr +33.1.40.03.36.49 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.