University researchers are seeking inner-city children and adolescents for a national asthma study.
General asthma rates have been steadily rising, but the most dramatic increases have occurred among urban youth. And the increases have occurred even as new and improved drugs for controlling and preventing asthma symptoms have become available in recent years.
The Asthma Control Evaluation (ACE) study will examine the potential advantages of using a new lung-function test to help doctors more closely monitor patient conditions.
The procedure is a breathing test approved by the FDA. It involves measurement of exhaled nitric oxide, a naturally occurring gas that is present in everyone’s lungs but is increased during periods of uncontrolled asthma.
Researchers hope the test will allow clinicians to better assess how well their prescribed therapies are controlling their patients’ asthma.
ACE is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and conducted through the Inner City Asthma Consortium. The School of Medicine is a member of the consortium.
More than 500 asthmatic people ages 12-20 will be enrolled in ACE nationwide.
Locally, 52 people with persistent asthma are being recruited. Participants must live in urban St. Louis or adjacent areas and be willing to complete eight study visits at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Study participants will be treated for one year and will receive a free active asthma controller and medication for 49 weeks.
Participants will be compensated for their time and will receive a gift after each visit with an asthma specialist.
For more information, call 286-1173 or (866) 841-2273.