Diagnosing Asthma With Clinically Accessible, Non-invasive, and Efficient Tests: a Child-inclusive Translational Investigation

Launched by UNIVERSITÉ DE SHERBROOKE · May 30, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at new ways to diagnose asthma in children. Asthma is a common breathing problem that affects many kids, but diagnosing it can be tricky, often leading to delays in getting the right treatment. The study will explore whether measuring certain markers in the breath (called FeNO) and in the blood (eosinophils) can help doctors diagnose asthma more easily, especially when traditional tests aren’t clear.

To be eligible for this trial, children aged 6 to 17 who show signs of asthma and have inconclusive test results may participate. Participants will undergo non-invasive tests to check their FeNO levels and blood eosinophils, which can give important clues about their asthma status. This trial aims to improve asthma diagnosis in primary care settings and could make it easier for children to get the help they need sooner. If your child meets the criteria, this could be a valuable opportunity to contribute to better asthma care for kids.

Gender

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals aged 6 to \<18 years, presenting symptoms suggestive of asthma
• • Patients referred for a methacholine bronchial provocation test by primary care (defined as non-pulmonologist, non-ENT specialist, non-allergist)
• • Spirometry inconclusive
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Use of an inhaled or systemic corticosteroid in the previous 48 hours;
• • Smoking in the previous 6 hours; history of viral and/or bacterial respiratory infection in the past 4 weeks;
• • major cardiopulmonary disease, including: a) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), defined by all of the following: i) aged ≥ 40 years , ii) permanent obstruction on spirometry (FEV1/FVC \<0.7) and iii) a smoking history of \>10 pack-years or known alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, b) lung conditions deemed significant by the investigator, including cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis, and c) unstable heart disease.