Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Findings and Impact on Vaping

Launched by MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · Mar 21, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating the effects of vaping on lung health in adolescents. Researchers want to see if using a special ultrasound technique can help identify any early lung problems in young people who vape. They also hope that showing these ultrasound results to the participants will encourage them to change their attitudes towards vaping and possibly quit. This study is important because vaping has become a common issue among teenagers, and many believe it is safer than smoking traditional cigarettes, even though it can still harm their lungs.

To participate, candidates must be between 12 and 18 years old, have their own cell phone or email, and be part of a group that includes both vapers and non-vapers. Participants will undergo a lung ultrasound, which is a safe procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the lungs. They will also have the chance to discuss their results with the researchers. However, some individuals, such as those with chronic lung conditions or recent respiratory infections, may not be eligible to join the study to ensure their safety. This research aims to provide valuable insights into vaping's impact on health and potentially help young people make healthier choices.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ages 12-18 years of age
• • Has own individual cell phone or email for communication
• • Member of a vaping history group that is not yet full for enrollment (ex: up to 100 vapers, up to 100 non-vapers)
• • Able to speak and understand English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Chronic Lung Disease
• • History of pneumothorax
• • Prior thoracic surgery including VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery)
• • Sickle cell disease
• • Current or prior cancer
• • Significant congenital heart disease
• • Acute upper respiratory infection (cough or congestion in the last 3 days)
• • Acute chest trauma
• • Acute pulmonary embolism
• • Sedation medication administered prior to study image acquisition
• • Known allergy or sensitivity to ultrasound gel
• • Significant acute psychosis, mania, or suicidal ideation
• • Any other medical or psychiatric condition or other significant concern that in the investigator's opinion would impact participant safety or compliance with study instructions, or potentially confound the interpretation of findings
• • Inability or unwillingness of subject or legal guardian/representative to give informed consent/assent.