Cough Study for Males with Neuromuscular Disease – Pilot

Protocol Description

This study seeks to determine whether a simple breathing test can be used to assess the ability of boys and young men with muscular dystrophy to clear their airways when coughing. This may help physicians determine whether support with mechanical devices will help certain patients in the event of respiratory illness. Young people with neuromuscular disorders frequently have problems clearing mucus and secretions from their airways and lungs, which can cause portions of the lungs to become plugged with mucus and underinflated (atelectasis), potentially leading to pneumonia.

Study Level: Pilot

Eligibility Criteria

Subject to certain exclusion criteria, the study is accepting male participants between the ages of 6 and 21 years with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy.
Males: 6 to 21 years old
Females: Not applicable

Requirements

Participants will perform standard breathing tests to measure airflow, strength of the breathing muscles and peak cough flow in the Pulmonary Function Lab of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Additionally, imaging of participants’ lungs to measure airway clearance while coughing will be done in the Nuclear Medicine Department. All tests will be scheduled to be done on a single day.
Visits: 1
Duration: 1 day

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source(s) of Support

Respirtech, Inc.

Additional Information

Study Description from the National Institutes of Health

Primary Investigator

Daniel Weiner, MD

Contact Information

For information about the study or enrollment, please contact:
Elizabeth Hartigan, MPH, RN
1-877-296-9026