Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT) in children with asthma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Diagnosing and Monitoring Asthma in Children using the Forced Oscillation Technique
IRAS ID
262288
Contact name
Erol Gaillard
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 28 days
Research summary
Diagnosing asthma is difficult, especially in young children. In this study we will determine the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of the non-invasive forced oscillation technique (FOT) test, a simple passive lung function test using a novel technique in the diagnosis of asthma and to investigate whether the biomarker FOT has the ability to predict near-future asthma attacks. We will study the ability of the biomarker FOT to demonstrate peripheral airway involvement in the disease process, and to evaluate the association between FOT and airway infection and breath markers (volatile organic compounds) of asthma.
In brief, participant are asked to breathe normally into the oscillometer for periods of approximately 20 seconds. Small-amplitude pressure oscillations are superimposed on normal breathing by the oscillometer and the mechanical response of the respiratory system (measured by changes in pressure and flow measured at the lips) can be expressed in terms of resistance and reactance. The test is simple, quick and not in any way uncomfortable or painful. It has been used in adults and (less frequently) in children, and the equipment is now commercially available. It is therefore timely to assess its role in diagnosis and monitoring of asthma in children.We will study four groups of children:
1.Chronic and/or Stable asthma group: Children attending the UHL paediatric asthma clinic aged 4 months to 16 years. (Group CA)
2.Acute asthma group: Children aged 4 months to 16 years attending UHL emergency departments or wards with doctor diagnosed acute wheeze or asthma. (Group AA)
3.Severe and/or uncontrolled asthma group: Children attending the UHL paediatric asthma clinic aged 4 months to 16 years at GINA step 4 and above or children that experienced an asthma attack requiring systemic corticosteroids over the previous 6 months. (Group SA)
4.Control group: Age-matched children with no history of wheeze or chronic respiratory conditions. (Group Ctrl)REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EE/0298
Date of REC Opinion
16 Oct 2019
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion