RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Multidimensional Characterization of Dyspnea in Children

This research is looking for a clearer way to understand and describe breathing difficulties, often called 'breathlessness' or 'dyspnea,' in children aged 6 to 17. Currently, there isn't a specific tool that fully captures all the different ways children experience this problem. The study builds on adult research which shows that evaluating breathlessness in different ways can be linked to a person's quality of life and how well their lungs are working. The researchers hope that by using a new, more detailed assessment tool, doctors can get a more accurate picture of a child's breathing problems. This improved understanding could then lead to better treatment and care for children with various breathing conditions, whether they're short-term like an asthma attack or long-term issues like cystic fibrosis.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

400

Start

26 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

26 Feb 2028

Dyspnea and Respiratory Insufficiency in Children

What is this study about?

When we talk about breathing, most of the time it happens without us even thinking about it. But sometimes, like after running fast, you might feel yourself breathing heavily – this is often called 'breathlessness.' When this feeling becomes uncomfortable, upsetting, or is linked to an illness, particularly problems with the heart or lungs, doctors call it 'dyspnea.'

Dyspnea isn't just about how hard it is to breathe; it's a complicated feeling that can involve different sensations and emotions. Think about pain – it's not just how much it hurts, but also where it hurts, what kind of pain it is (sharp, dull), and how it makes you feel emotionally. Researchers have found that breathing discomfort and pain share some similar ways the brain processes them. This study aims to apply a similar approach to understanding dyspnea in children, looking at both the physical sensations and the emotional impact.

Currently, there isn't a fully comprehensive tool to understand all these different aspects of dyspnea specifically for children. This study is testing a new type of assessment, called a 'multidimensional observation scale,' to see if it can provide a more complete picture. The goal is that by getting a more detailed and accurate understanding of a child's breathing problems, doctors can provide more effective and tailored care, whether their condition is sudden (like an asthma attack) or something they live with every day (like cystic fibrosis or certain muscle diseases).

This research is important because a better understanding of dyspnea in children could truly improve their quality of life and how their conditions are managed. It could lead to doctors being able to spot changes more quickly and adjust treatments to make children feel more comfortable.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve understanding of breathing difficulties (dyspnea) in children.
It's testing a new 'multidimensional' tool to assess breathlessness, looking at both physical feelings and emotions.
The goal is to lead to better, more precise care for children with various breathing conditions.
Children aged 6-17 with current breathing complaints and certain hospital care are eligible.
No new medicines are involved; participation focuses on completing assessments.
You can withdraw your child from the study at any time without affecting their medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children aged between 6 and 17 years old who are experiencing breathing problems. To take part, children must be receiving care or have been admitted to the children's lung department at Trousseau hospital for conditions like an asthma attack, sudden severe breathing issues, a flare-up of a long-term lung condition, or a long-term lung problem.

For children with sudden breathing problems, they must have been in hospital for less than 72 hours when they join the study. For those with long-term breathing difficulties, they must have a known chronic lung condition. Their parents or legal guardians must agree to their child taking part, and the child must also agree.

Children cannot take part if they have learning difficulties that would make it hard for them to understand the assessment questions, or if they don't want to participate. Also, if a child with a long-term breathing condition has had a recent sudden worsening of their symptoms within the last six weeks, they won't be able to join the part of the study looking at long-term breathing problems.

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 aged between 6 and 17 years old?
Is your child currently experiencing breathing problems?
Is your child being treated at Trousseau hospital's children's lung department?
If your child has sudden breathing problems, have they been in hospital for less than 72 hours?
If your child has a long-term breathing problem, have they NOT had a sudden worsening in the last 6 weeks?
Can your child understand simple questions and express themselves?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, they will be asked to complete a special assessment (the multidimensional observation scale) that helps understand their breathing difficulties. There are no medications involved in this study. The study involves observations and questionnaires. The exact number of visits or assessments will depend on whether your child has a sudden or long-term breathing condition, but the research team will explain the full schedule if your child is eligible. The total duration of your child's involvement will also be explained when you discuss the study with the team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not offer direct health benefits to your child, but it could help doctors better understand and treat breathing problems in children in the future. The main 'risk' is the time taken to complete the assessments, which should be minimal and carefully explained. The questionnaires might ask about uncomfortable feelings related to breathing, but support will be available if needed. You and your child have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your child's medical care.

Locations (1)

Service de pneumologie pédiatrique, Hôpital Armand Trousseau
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What does 'dyspnea' mean?

Dyspnea is the medical term for feeling breathless or having uncomfortable breathing that causes distress.

Is my child being given new medicine in this study?

No, this study does not involve giving any new medicines. It focuses on using a new assessment tool to understand breathing problems.

Why is it important to understand breathlessness in different ways?

Just like pain, breathlessness can feel different for each child. Understanding these different feelings (physical and emotional) can help doctors provide more targeted and effective care.

Will taking part affect my child's regular medical care?

No, taking part in the study will not affect the usual medical care your child receives for their breathing condition.

What happens to the information collected from my child?

The information collected will be kept confidential and used to help researchers understand breathing problems in children better. It will be combined with information from other participants to find patterns and insights.

How to find out more

Jessica TAYTARD, MD, PhD

jessica.taytard@aphp.fr +33677855889 Official trial record

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