RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Gut-Lung Axis and Respiratory Illness in Children

This research at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow is exploring the connection between the tiny bugs (microbes) living in a child's gut and those in their lungs. This link is often called the 'gut-lung axis'. The study aims to understand this connection better, both in healthy children and in those with breathing or tummy issues. Researchers will compare children with respiratory problems, children with stomach problems, and healthy children to see how their gut and lung bugs differ. They will also look at how a new asthma medicine (biologics) might affect these bugs. The goal is to learn more about this important link and how it affects children's health.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

150

Start

04 Feb 2024

Estimated completion

01 May 2028

Respiration Disorders Respiratory Disease Asthma in Children Wheezing Gastro-Intestinal Disorder Healthy

What is this study about?

Imagine your body as a bustling city, and within it, you have tiny residents – microbes – living in places like your gut and lungs. Scientists believe there's a two-way street, or 'axis', connecting these two groups of residents. This means what happens with the bugs in your gut might affect the bugs in your lungs, and vice versa. This study, taking place at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, aims to explore this 'gut-lung axis' in children.

Part one of the study will act like a snapshot, looking at different groups of children: those with breathing difficulties, those with tummy troubles, and healthy children. By comparing the types of microbes living in their guts and lungs, researchers hope to understand what a healthy gut-lung axis looks like. They'll also investigate if children with breathing problems have different gut microbes, or if children with tummy issues have different lung microbes. This helps us understand if the balance of bugs is different when children are unwell.

Part two focuses on children with asthma. It will follow them over time to see if a new type of asthma medicine, called 'biologics', changes the bugs in their gut and lungs. This could give us clues about how treatments affect this gut-lung connection. Overall, this research is important because it could help us understand why some children develop respiratory or gut issues and potentially lead to better ways to help them in the future. It’s about building a clearer picture of how our body's tiny inhabitants work together.

Key takeaways

This study explores the connection between gut and lung bugs in children.
It aims to understand this link in healthy children and those with breathing or tummy problems.
Researchers will collect samples like airway fluid, blood, and poo, plus diet info.
It's an observational study; no new treatments are given.
Participation is for children aged 0-16 years attending Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
The findings could lead to better understanding and possibly future treatments for children's health issues.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children aged newborn up to 16 years old. You might be able to take part if you are already coming to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow for certain procedures or appointments.

This includes children having a camera test (bronchoscopy) for their airways or a camera test (endoscopy) for their tummy. Also, children having an operation for their bones, but who don't have any current breathing or tummy problems, could be included. If your child has asthma and is either about to start a new kind of medicine called 'biologics' or has asthma but is not going to start this medicine, they might also be able to join.

However, some children won't be able to participate. This includes anyone who has taken antibiotics in the last month (unless they're on long-term preventive antibiotics), children aged 17 or older, or those known to have certain infections like HIV or Hepatitis. Also, if a child or their parent/guardian can't understand English well enough to give proper consent, they won't be able to join.

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 my child between newborn and 16 years old?
Is my child already planning to have an airway or tummy camera test at RHC Glasgow?
Is my child having an orthopaedic operation at RHC Glasgow and does NOT have active breathing or tummy problems?
Does my child have asthma and is either starting new 'biologics' medicine or not indicated for them?
Has my child NOT taken antibiotics in the last month (unless they are on long-term preventive antibiotics)?
Can I, as a parent/guardian, understand English well enough to give informed consent?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part, they will provide a few different types of samples. These include samples from their airways (often collected at the same time as a procedure like a bronchoscopy), blood samples (which might be taken while they're under anaesthetic for another procedure), and stool (poo) samples. They will also be asked to keep a food diary or fill out a questionnaire about what they eat.

If your child has asthma and is in the second part of the study, samples might be collected at two different times to see how things change. Importantly, this is an observational study, which means no new medicines or treatments will be given as part of the study itself. All samples and information are collected as part of your child's routine care or at appointments they are already attending.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help scientists better understand the link between gut and lung health in children, which might lead to better treatments in the future. There are no direct medical benefits for your child from participating. The risks are generally minimal, as samples are often collected during procedures your child would already be having. For example, blood samples would be taken when they are already under general anaesthetic. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw your child from the study at any time, without it affecting their medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: Royal Hospital for children, Glasgow
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the 'gut-lung axis'?

It's a scientific idea that the tiny bugs in your gut and the bugs in your lungs are connected and can affect each other's health.

Will my child get a new medicine in this study?

No, this is an 'observational' study, meaning researchers will only collect information and samples; no new medicines or treatments are given.

How long will my child need to be in the study?

For some children, it's a one-time collection. For others, especially those with asthma, samples might be collected at two different times over a period, but always linked to existing appointments.

Will taking part impact my child's normal hospital care?

No, taking part in the study will not affect the medical care your child receives. They will continue to get their standard treatment.

What kind of samples will my child need to give?

They will provide samples from their airways, blood samples, stool (poo) samples, and information about their diet.

How to find out more

Ross J Langley, MRCPCH

ross.langley@ggc.scot.nhs.uk 0141 451 6683 Official trial record

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