RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

COVID Infection in Pediatric Surgical Patient

This study focuses on understanding how many children having surgery might have COVID-19, even if they don't look ill. Many children with COVID-19 don't have usual symptoms, but they could still pass the virus to older or more vulnerable people, or even hospital staff. To find out more, the study will use a quick and simple nose swab test for children aged 2 to 17 who are having surgery. This helps researchers learn more about COVID-19 in children and how it spreads, which is important for keeping everyone safe in healthcare settings. It's an 'observational' study, meaning researchers will just gather information without giving any new treatments.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Salem Anaesthesia Pain Clinic

Enrolment target

350

Start

01 Jul 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

COVID-19

What is this study about?

This study aims to learn more about COVID-19 in children who are having surgery. You might know that many children who get COVID-19 don't show specific symptoms, or their symptoms are very mild. However, even without symptoms, they could still carry the virus and potentially pass it on to others who might be more at risk, like older people, those with other health problems, or even the doctors and nurses looking after them.

The researchers want to understand how common COVID-19 is in this group of children. To do this, they will use a quick and simple test that checks for the virus, similar to the rapid tests many people have used at home. By gathering this information, they can get a clearer picture of how COVID-19 affects children having operations and help keep everyone in the hospital as safe as possible.

This is an 'observational' study, which means the researchers will just be collecting information. They won't be giving children any new medicines or treatments as part of the study. They are simply trying to understand a situation better by doing these tests and looking at other health details.

Key takeaways

This study helps understand COVID-19 in children having surgery.
A quick, simple nose swab test will be used.
The test is often done while children are asleep for surgery.
This is an 'observational' study – no new treatments are given.
Information gathered helps keep patients and staff safe.

Who may be eligible?

Children can join this study if they are between 2 and 17 years old and are scheduled for surgery. They can't have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past six months, and they shouldn't have problems with nose bleeds or blood clotting issues.

However, some children won't be able to take part. This includes if the child or their parent/guardian doesn't want to participate, or if it's difficult to get proper permission. Also, if a child has already had a COVID-19 diagnosis in the last six months, or has a history of nosebleeds or blood clotting problems, they won't be able to join the study.

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.

Is your child between 2 and 17 years old?
Is your child scheduled for surgery?
Has your child NOT had a COVID-19 diagnosis in the last 6 months?
Does your child NOT have a history of nosebleeds?
Does your child NOT have any blood clotting problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, the main thing that will happen is a simple and quick COVID-19 rapid antigen test. This test involves taking a swab from your child's nose. For children who are having surgery, this swab will be taken while they are already asleep for their operation, so they won't feel anything. Afterwards, the doctors will collect some information about your child's health, such as their age, any past surgeries or medical conditions, and medicines they take. They will also ask if your child has had certain symptoms like a cough or fever recently, or if they've been near someone with COVID-19. There are no extra visits or follow-up appointments simply for this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help doctors understand more about COVID-19 in children, which could eventually lead to better care for everyone. For your child, the main 'risk' is the very small chance of some temporary discomfort when the nasal swab is taken, though for surgery patients, this specific test will happen while they are asleep. There are no side effects from the test itself. You have the right to change your mind and withdraw your child from the study at any time without it affecting their medical care.

Locations (1)

Salem Anaesthesia Pain Clinic
Verified postcode
Surrey, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a rapid antigen test?

It's a quick test that checks for parts of the COVID-19 virus in a nose swab. Many people have used similar tests at home.

Will my child get a new treatment in this study?

No, this is an 'observational' study. Your child will not receive any new treatments or medicines as part of this research.

Will the test hurt my child?

If your child is having surgery, the test will be done while they are already asleep, so they won't feel it. For other children in the study, a nose swab can cause a brief ticklish or uncomfortable feeling.

How long does taking part in the study last?

Your child's participation mainly involves the single COVID-19 test and collecting some health information around the time of their surgery. There are no extra follow-up visits specifically for the study.

Is my child safe from COVID-19 during the study?

The hospital will continue to follow all standard safety measures to protect patients and staff from COVID-19, regardless of whether your child joins the study.

How to find out more

Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD,FRCPC

olu.bamgbade@gmail.com 17786286600 Official trial record

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