Ongoing Clinical Trials for Childhood Asthma
There is currently 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating new treatment approaches for childhood asthma. This trial is exploring whether the antibiotic azithromycin can help reduce the duration of asthma-like episodes in young children who require hospitalization. The study is being conducted in Denmark and focuses on children aged 1-5 years.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Azithromycin for Treating Hospitalized Children Aged 1-5 with Asthma Symptoms
This clinical trial is investigating whether azithromycin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections, can help shorten asthma-like episodes in young children who need to be hospitalized. The study builds on earlier research that showed promising results with this medication in similar situations.
Who can join this trial:
- Children between 12 and 71 months old (approximately 1 to 6 years of age)
- Children who have experienced previous episodes with asthma-like symptoms
- Children who have been treated with medications called SABA (short-acting beta-agonists, which help open the airways), either alone or combined with inhaled corticosteroids and possibly LTRA (medications that help prevent asthma symptoms)
- The parent or guardian must speak Danish fluently and be willing to follow all study procedures
Who cannot join this trial:
- Children outside the 1-5 year age range
- Children who are not hospitalized due to asthma-like symptoms
- Children who are part of vulnerable populations, meaning groups who may have limited ability to protect their own interests, such as those with certain disabilities or conditions
What the trial involves:
The main goal of this study is to determine whether a three-day treatment with azithromycin can reduce how long asthma-like episodes last compared to a placebo (an inactive substance). Researchers will closely monitor several aspects of each child’s condition during the trial.
Children participating in the study will be randomly assigned to receive either azithromycin or a placebo for three days. The medication is given by mouth, either as tablets or liquid. Throughout the study period, doctors will track how long the asthma-like symptoms continue from the start of treatment. They will also measure changes in symptom severity, the length of the hospital stay, and whether the child needs additional medications such as short-acting beta-agonists or oral corticosteroids.
Parents will be asked to keep a diary recording any changes in their child’s symptoms, which helps the research team assess how well the treatment is working. The study will also examine whether bacteria present in the airways affect the results and will evaluate the economic impact on families, including days missed from daycare or work.
The investigational drug:
Azithromycin is the main medication being tested in this trial. While it is typically used as an antibiotic to fight bacterial infections, this study explores its potential to reduce inflammation and help children recover faster from asthma episodes. The medication works at a molecular level by interfering with bacterial protein production, which may help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate asthma symptoms. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides.
Summary
Currently, there is one active clinical trial investigating treatment options for childhood asthma. This trial is taking place in Denmark and focuses specifically on hospitalized children aged 1-5 years experiencing asthma-like symptoms. The study represents an innovative approach by testing whether azithromycin, traditionally used as an antibiotic, might offer benefits in managing acute asthma episodes in young children. The research aims to confirm earlier findings that suggested this medication could significantly shorten the duration of these episodes, potentially reducing hospital stays and the burden on families. Parents in Denmark whose children meet the age and symptom criteria may wish to discuss this trial with their child’s healthcare provider.
