RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Paediatric Syncope in the Emergency Department

This study is for children and teenagers aged 6 to 18 who have recently fainted and gone to the emergency department. Doctors don't fully understand why kids faint, so this research has two main goals. Firstly, it wants to gather detailed information about what happens when children faint, including any warning signs they might have. Secondly, it will test whether teaching young patients special exercises, called 'counterpressure maneuvers' (like crossing legs or tensing muscles), can help stop them from fainting again. Some participants will learn these exercises, while others will receive usual care. Everyone will be followed for a year to see how often they faint.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Dr. Victoria Claydon

Enrolment target

300

Start

03 Sep 2022

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Syncope, Vasovagal Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Orthostatic Intolerance

What is this study about?

When young people faint, it can be a scary experience for them and their families. Doctors don't always understand exactly why children and teenagers faint, and treatments that work for adults might not be right for younger patients. This study aims to fill in these gaps in our knowledge, helping us to give better care to children who faint.

The first part of the study focuses on understanding fainting better. If you or your child takes part, you'll be asked to complete a short survey about what happened just before, during, and after a recent fainting episode. This includes any warning signs like feeling dizzy or sick, and what you were doing at the time. This information will help researchers get a clearer picture of how fainting presents in young people.

The second part of the study looks at whether a simple technique can help prevent future fainting spells. Some participants will be taught special exercises called 'counterpressure maneuvers,' which involve tensing certain muscles (like crossing your legs or tensing your arms) when you feel a faint coming on. Others will receive the usual care from their doctor. Everyone in this part of the study will be followed for a year, completing monthly check-ins to see if they've fainted again. Doctors will also check medical records to see if there are any changes in diagnosis. The aim is to find effective ways to help young people manage and prevent fainting.

Key takeaways

The study helps doctors understand why children and teenagers faint.
It tests if simple exercises can prevent fainting spells.
Participants will fill out surveys about their fainting experiences.
The study lasts for one year with monthly check-ins.
No new medicines are involved, only physical exercises.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and teenagers between 6 and 18 years old. They must have recently fainted and visited the emergency department within the last week. It's important that they can understand and fill out a survey in English, and that they (and their parents or guardians) are happy to take part.

However, some young people won't be able to join the study. This includes those who have a known heart problem, like certain irregular heartbeats or structural heart disease. If they've had a recent serious head injury, a new diagnosis of seizures, or epilepsy, they also won't be able to participate. Likewise, if their fainting was due to low blood sugar, caused by drug or alcohol use, or if they have certain physical or mental health conditions that affect fainting, they won't be eligible.

The study also can't include anyone who has already taken part in this specific study before.

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.

Are you between 6 and 18 years old?
Have you fainted recently and gone to the emergency department in the last week?
Can you understand and complete surveys in English?
Do you have a known heart condition, recent severe head injury, or a new seizure diagnosis?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first be asked to give your permission (consent). Then, in the first stage of the study, you'll fill out a short survey about your recent fainting episode, including any warning signs you felt. This part should only take a short amount of time.

If you agree to the second stage, you'll either continue with your usual medical care, or you'll also be taught special exercises called 'counterpressure maneuvers' to help prevent fainting. These exercises might involve crossing your legs, clenching your fists, or tensing other muscles. You will be followed for one year, during which you will be asked to complete a short online survey once a month to let us know if you've fainted or felt like you were going to faint. The total duration of your participation, including the follow-up, will be one year. Doctors will also check your medical records during this time to see if there are any changes in your health.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you understand your fainting better and, for some, learn techniques to prevent future fainting episodes. There are no direct medical risks expected from taking part, as the exercises are simple body movements. The main commitment is giving your time to fill out surveys. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

BC Children's Hospital
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is syncope?

Syncope is the medical term for fainting, which is a temporary loss of consciousness, usually due to a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain.

What are counterpressure maneuvers?

These are simple physical exercises, like crossing your legs or tensing your arm muscles, that you can do when you feel a faint coming on. They can help push blood back to your brain and prevent you from passing out.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. The intervention is based on learning physical exercises.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you take part in both stages, your total involvement, including monthly check-ins, will be for one year.

Can my child stop participating at any time?

Yes, you or your child can decide to stop participating in the study at any point, and your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Erin L Williams, BSc

erin_williams_2@sfu.ca 6048976372 Official trial record

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