University researchers are seeking volunteers ages 12-20 for a national study of management and treatment of asthma among inner-city children and adolescents.
General asthma rates have been steadily rising, but the most dramatic increases have occurred among urban youth. 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 test of lung function to help doctors more closely monitor their patients’ 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 the therapies they prescribe control their patient’s asthma.
ACE is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and conducted through the Inner City Asthma Consortium.
The School of Medicine is a member of the consortium.
More than 500 asthmatic adolescents will be enrolled in ACE nationwide.
Fifty-two patients with persistent asthma are sought locally. Participants must live in the urban St. Louis community or adjacent areas and be willing to complete eight study visits over a one-year study period 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 information, contact the ACE study staff at 286-1173 or (866) 841-2273.