Objective Evaluation of Cough Effort in Tracheotomized Patients (LOST Study)

Launched by CENTRE HOSPITALIER DE SAINT-DENIS · Jul 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is looking at how well patients who have a tracheostomy—a small tube placed in their windpipe to help with breathing—can cough before and after the tube is taken out. Coughing is important because it helps clear the airway and prevent infections. Researchers will use two different tools to measure cough strength and see if the measurements taken before removing the tube can predict how strong the cough will be afterward. They will also explore other factors that might affect coughing and ask patients how they feel about using these measurement devices. Additionally, the study will use ultrasound to look at the diaphragm (the main muscle used for breathing) to see if it helps predict cough strength.

Adults who are hospitalized in intensive care or rehabilitation units, have a tracheostomy during the process of weaning off breathing support, and have been prescribed physiotherapy and speech therapy assessments may be eligible to join. People who have had certain surgeries, severe swallowing problems, difficulty understanding instructions, or who choose not to participate will not be included. If you take part, you can expect to have your cough strength measured before and after the tracheostomy tube is removed, and to share your thoughts on the devices used. This study is not yet recruiting participants but aims to help doctors better understand and support patients recovering from tracheostomy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult patients (18 years or older)
• • Hospitalized in post-intensive care rehabilitation unit (SRPR) or intensive care unit (ICU)
• • Tracheotomized during the weaning process
• • Medical prescription for physiotherapy assessment
• • Medical prescription for speech therapy assessment
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who have undergone total laryngectomy
• • Patients with severe swallowing disorders
• • Patients with cognitive impairments incompatible with understanding instructions
• • Patients under medical decision to stop active treatments
• • Patients who refuse to participate or refuse to sign informed consent
• • Patients under guardianship or curatorship
• • Patients not affiliated with a social security scheme