Clinical Research Directory

Respiratory Muscles and Work of Breathing in Children

Respiratory muscle testing allows a quantitative assessment of inspiratory and expiratory muscles in children of any age with primary or secondary respiratory muscle impairment, in order to better understand the pathophysiology of respiratory impairment and guide therapeutic management. The use of an invasive technique (esogastric probe) makes it possible to specifically explore the diaphragm, the accessory inspiratory muscles and the expiratory muscles in order to detect dysfunction or paralysis of these muscles, and to estimate the work of breathing in order to better guide the respiratory management. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the respiratory effort in children with primary or secondary impairment of the respiratory muscles during spontaneous breathing or during mechanical ventilation.

Infant Survival and Long-term Outcome Following Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion in Severe Left and Right Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, A Phase III Trial

The purpose of the study is to determine the infant survival and long-term effects of performing Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) surgery and removal of the BALT Goldbal2 balloon at Children's Mercy Hospital. We hypothesize that FETO balloon placement may increase survival and decrease morbidity when compared to standard prenatal care for the treatment of severe left or right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Fetal Endoscopic Tracheal Occlusion for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

The purpose of this research is to gather information on the safety and effectiveness of a procedure called Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) at Mayo Clinic. The intent of the FETO procedure is to improve development of the lungs in fetuses diagnosed with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Fetal Endoscopic Tracheal Occlusion for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (FETO)

The purpose of this research is to gather information on the safety and effectiveness of a new procedure called Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO).

De-implementing Inhaled Nitric Oxide for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

The purpose of this study is to determine if de-implementation of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in the post-natal resuscitation/stabilization phase affects the composite outcome of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) use and/or mortality, as well as ECLS use, mortality, and/or oxygenation in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) newborns and to establish the cost-effectiveness of de-implementing iNO as a therapy in the postnatal resuscitation/stabilization phase of CDH management, which will be assessed as the incremental health system costs (savings) per prevented ECLS use and/or death.

Management of Late Presenting Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia .

Diagnosis and different ways of surgical repair of Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Fetal Endotracheal Occlusion (FETO) in the Resolution of Pulmonary Hypertension in Fetuses With Severe CDH

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully fuse and leaves a portal through which abdominal structures can migrate into the thorax. In the more severe cases, the abdominal structures remain in the thoracic cavity and compromise the development of the lungs. Infants born with this defect have a decreased capacity for gas exchange; mortality rates after birth have been reported between 40-60%. Now that CDH can be accurately diagnosed by mid-gestation, a number of strategies have been developed to repair the hernia and promote lung tissue development. Fetal tracheal occlusion (FETO), using a fetoscopically delivered and removed balloon device, has been used to temporarily occlude the trachea and increase lung distension in CDH to allow the lungs to develop and has been shown to increase survival at birth. The role of FETO in the resolution of pulmonary hypertension in fetuses with severe left- and right- sided CDH remains unclear. Our recent observation that FETO is associated with a higher proportion of infants who resolve their pulmonary hypertension by the age of 1 year as compared with those who have not had FETO, is based on a retrospective cohort study, which, as with any such design, has some intrinsic limitations. Thus, a prospective cohort study that is appropriately powered to confirm or disprove this encouraging observation is needed. If our preliminary observation is confirmed, resolution of PH by the age of 1 year could be added to the benefits of the FETO procedure in severe left and right-sided CDH cases. The investigators will perform 40 FETO procedures on fetuses diagnosed prenatally with severe right- or left-sided CDH, and outcome data will be compared with that of a control group of severe right- or left-sided CDH who will not undergo the FETO procedure because of medical or social issues. Because the prevalence of left-sided CDH is higher than right-side CDH, the investigators will perform 25 FETO procedures in left sided CDH and 15 in right-sided CDH, and these outcomes will be compared to a cohort of 40 non FETO cases.

Fetal Endoscopic Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) for Severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

The purpose of the study is to study the efficacy of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) in cases of severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This study will also collect safety and effectiveness data for the off-label use of the FETO Goldballoon (the balloon that will be inserted into the fetal trachea), manufactured by Balt medical. The investigators hope to study the risks and benefits of FETO in cases of severe CDH in an advanced medical center such as Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH) Stanford with access to advanced maternal-fetal medicine, neonatal services, and neonatal ECMO, and pediatric surgery.

Pilot Trial of Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) in Severe Left Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)

Despite advances in prenatal diagnosis and postnatal therapies, including ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), inhaled nitric oxide therapy, and ventilator strategies that minimize ventilator-induced lung injury, morbidity and mortality rates for babies with severe CDH remain high. The rationale for fetal therapy in severe CDH is to promote adequate lung growth for neonatal survival. Prenatal tracheal occlusion obstructs the normal egress of lung fluid during pulmonary development leading to increased lung tissue stretch, increased cell proliferation, and accelerated lung growth. The investigator's goal with this pilot study is to study the feasibility of implementing Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) therapy in the most severe group of fetuses with left CDH (LHR O/E \< 25%).

Palliative Care Needs of Children With Rare Diseases and Their Families

The palliative care needs of family caregivers of children with rare diseases and their children are largely unmet, including the need for support to prepare for future medical decision making. This trial will test the FACE-Rare intervention to see if investigators can identify and meet those needs; and if FACE-Rare effects family caregivers' quality of life and child healthcare utilization. Finally, investigators will determine if the intersectionality of child-sex, family-race, Federal poverty level, and social connection influences family quality of life and child health care utilization longitudinally.

Trial of FETO for Severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

This is a single site pilot trial to study the feasibility of Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) therapy in the most severe group of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) at Ann \& Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (Lurie Children's). This procedure aims to increase fetal lung volume before birth and improve survival after birth. This study will enroll 10 pregnant women who meet study criteria.

Measuring Heart Health in Both Term, Preterm and Unwell Newborn Babies With an Advanced Ultrasound Method: Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

This study aims to improve how neonatologists check the heart function of newborn babies, especially those who are sick. While standard heart ultrasound scans are useful, a more advanced and sensitive technique called 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) can detect subtle problems with how the heart muscle squeezes and relaxes. This may allow doctors to spot potential issues earlier. Our research will take place at Birmingham Women's Hospital. The investigators will perform these advanced, non-invasive heart scans on several groups of babies: 1. Healthy term and premature babies, to establish a "normal" range of heart function. 2. Babies who are unwell with specific conditions, including those with brain injury due to lack of oxygen at birth (HIE), chronic lung disease of prematurity (BPD), a hole in the diaphragm (CDH), or high blood pressure in their lungs (aPHN). The heart scan is a standard, painless procedure. Using STE does not require any extra scanning time or cause any additional discomfort to the baby; the special images are taken during the routine scan. For many of the sick babies, these scans are already part of their normal clinical care. The main goals of this observational study are to see if STE is a feasible and reliable tool in newborns, to establish normal values for healthy babies, and to track how heart function changes in sick babies during their illness and recovery. Ultimately, the investigators hope this research will provide doctors with a better tool to assess heart health in newborns. This could lead to earlier, more accurate detection of heart problems and help guide treatment decisions to improve outcomes for these vulnerable infants.

Fetal Endoscopic Tracheal Occlusion for CDH (CDH)

This is a single site pilot trial to assess the feasibility and safety of treating severe CDH with Fetal Endoscopic Tracheal Occlusion with the Goldballoon Detachable Balloon (GOLDBAL2) along with the Delivery Microcatheter (BALTACCI-BDPE100) at UC Davis Medical Center. The study will enroll pregnant women that meet study criteria. Participants will have placement of FETO between gestational age at 27 weeks plus 0 days and 29 weeks 6 days. The timing for removal of FETO will ideally be between 34 weeks 0 days and 34 weeks and 6 days but ultimately decided by the Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center at UC Davis Medical Center. This study requires that study participants live within 30 minutes of the UC Davis Medical Center in order to maintain weekly follow up appointments while the balloon is in place and up to delivery. Additionally, there are lifestyle considerations where participants would be unable to carry on normal daily activities including exercise and sexual intercourse, not be able to work the remainder of the pregnancy, as well as have a support person that is available to stay with such as a spouse, friend, partner, parent.

Diaphragmatic Hernia Research & Exploration, Advancing Molecular Science

The goal of this study is to identify genes that convey susceptibility to congenital diaphragmatic hernia in humans. The identification of such genes, and examination of their structure and function, will enable a delineation of molecular pathogenesis and, ultimately, prevention or treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. There are many different possible modes of inheritance for congenital anomalies, including autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and multifactorial. Multi-factorial inheritance is responsible for many common medical disorders, including hypertension, myocardial infarction, diabetes and cancer. This type of inheritance pattern appears to involve environmental factors as well as a combination of genetic variations that together can predispose to or produce congenital anomalies, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Our study is designed to establish a small, well-defined genetic resource consisting of 1) Nuclear families suitable for linkage analysis by parametric,non-parametric (e.g. sib pairs, TDT) and association techniques, 2) Individuals with congenital diaphragmatic hernia who can be directly screened for allelic variation in candidate genes, and 3) Individuals who can serve as controls (are unaffected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia). Neonates and their families will be collected from homogenous and heterogeneous populations. By characterizing diverse populations, it should be possible to increase the likelihood of demonstration of genetic variation in selected candidate genes that can then be used in association and linkage studies in individual subjects with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Efficacy of Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

This multicenter, prospective, single-arm study aims to evaluate the efficacy of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and early pulmonary hypertension. Short-term treatment response will be assessed by the changes in oxygenation index and other parameters including echocardiographic parameters at predefined intervals.

Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion in Severe Left Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

CDH is a birth defect characterized by the development, very early in gestation, of a hole in the diaphragm, the breathing muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. As a result, the intestines and other organs in the abdomen can move into the chest and press on the developing lungs. This prevents the lungs from growing and developing normally. In severe cases, CDH can lead to serious disease and death at birth. For these babies, treatment before birth may allow the lungs to grow enough before birth so these children are capable of surviving and thriving.

Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) for Severe Left Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)

Despite advances in prenatal diagnosis and postnatal therapies, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), inhaled nitric oxide therapy, and ventilator strategies that minimize ventilator-induced lung injury, morbidity and mortality rates for babies with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remain high. The survival relates to the degree of prenatal lung compression and the subsequent impairment of pulmonary function following delivery. Prenatal assessment by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging allows to estimate the severity by relating the circumference of the lung contralateral to the hernia to the fetal head circumference lung to head ratio (LHR) and by noting the degree of upward herniation of the liver. Based on the observed to expected lung to head ratio (O/E LHR), prenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia can be prognostically assessed. While overall survival of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is approximately 60%, an O/E LHR \<25% is associated with survival between 11-24%. The rationale for fetal therapy in severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia is to restore adequate lung growth for neonatal survival. Prenatal tracheal occlusion obstructs the normal egress of lung fluid during pulmonary development leading to increased lung tissue stretch, increased cell proliferation, and accelerated lung growth. European colleagues have developed intrauterine endoscopic techniques (fetoscopy) to position and remove endoluminal tracheal balloons in utero (fetoscopic endotracheal occlusion = FETO). Recently, the Belgium group published summary results of FETO showing an improved survival in 175 patients with isolated left CDH from 24% to 49%. We hypothesize that FETO can be performed and may increase survival and decrease morbidity when compared to standard prenatal care for the treatment of severe CDH in the most severe group of fetuses with left CDH (O/E LHR \< 30%). FETO therapy will be considered in two subgroups: those with and O/E LHR \<25% (severe group) and those with an O/E between 25 to \<30% (less severe group).

An Exploratory Physiological Study of Post-operative Recovery in Surgical Neonates and Dimethylarginine:Arginine Levels

The SuNDiAL study will measure levels of two naturally occurring amino acids: Arginine and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) in neonates undergoing abdominal surgery in the first 5 days of life due to congenital abdominal malformations as the participants recover from surgery. The investigators hypothesise that the relationship between Arginine and ADMA may be useful in predicting recovery and complications in babies who have had abdominal surgery due to previous research published in adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery. If this relationship is found to be useful there may be options for developing treatments (such as arginine supplementation) in the future to improve recovery and reduce complications in neonates undergoing abdominal surgery. Neonates born after 35 weeks gestation who have a congenital abdominal malformation who require abdominal surgery in the first 5 days will be eligible to participate in the SuNDiAL study. Arginine and ADMA will be measured from blood samples that are left over from the participant's blood tests that are taken as part of their routine clinical care. The investigators will measure Arginine and ADMA preoperatively and at least 10 points in the 30 days following their surgery, or until the participant fully recovers from surgery (which ever comes first). There is no intervention in the SuNDiAL study, and there will be no extra blood or blood samples taken. Serums samples that are left over from the babies routine clinical blood tests will be stored securely in the hospitals laboratory until analysis for Arginine and ADMA. The levels of Arginine and ADMA will be compared to the time it takes the participants to recover from surgery and any complications that may arise following surgery. During the study the study team will use the participants electronic medical record to establish when the participant became fully established on oral feeding and monitor for any complications that occurred during their recovery.

Safety and Efficacy of FETO in CDH Phase III

Tracheal occlusion IDE approved by FDA for congenital diaphragmatic hernia fetuses and standard of care control group

Prospective Registry for Long-term Outcomes Following FETO in Severe Left and Right CDH

The purpose of this study is to evaluate successful placement and removal of Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) device in cases of intrathoracic liver herniation with isolated left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (LCDH) with Observed/Expected (O/E) Lung to Head Circumference Ratio (LHR) \< 30% or isolated right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (RCDH) with O/E LHR \< 45%,to compare survival to discharge from the neonatal intensive care units (NICU), between fetuses with intrathoracic liver herniation and isolated LCDH with O/E LHR \< 30% that receive FETO procedure performed at 27 weeks 0 days to 29weeks 6 days of gestation to those with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated LCDH and o/e LRH \< 30% that undergo expectant management, to compare the neonatal survival rate to discharge from the neonatal intensive care units (NICU), between fetuses with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated RCHD with o/e LHR \< 45% that undergo FETO procedure performed at 27 weeks 0 days to 29 weeks 6 days gestation to those with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated RCHD and o/e LHR \< 45% that elect to proceed with expectant management, to evaluate the frequency of maternal and fetal complications associated with FETO procedure, to evaluate whether the FETO procedure is associated with reduced long-term mortality and morbidities in isolated LCDH survivors with o/e LHR \<30% when compared to isolated LCDH with o/e LRH \<30% that undergo expectant management where all fetuses were found to have intrathoracic liver herniation and to evaluate whether the FETO procedure is associated with reduced long-term mortality and morbidities in isolated RCDH survivors with o/e LHR ≤ 45% when compared to isolated RCHD with LHR \< 45% that undergo expectant management where all fetuses were found to have intrathoracic liver herniation.

Safety and Efficacy of Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) in cases of severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).

North American Fetal Therapy Network for Long-term Outcome Following Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion in Severe Left and Right Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

The purpose of this study is to evaluate successful placement and removal of Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) device in cases of intrathoracic liver herniation with isolated left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (LCDH) with Observed/Expected (O/E) Lung to Head Circumference Ratio (LHR) \< 30% or isolated right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (RCDH) with O/E LHR \< 45%,to compare survival to discharge from the neonatal intensive care units (NICU), between fetuses with intrathoracic liver herniation and isolated LCDH with O/E LHR \< 30% that receive FETO procedure performed at 27 weeks 0 days to 29weeks 6 days of gestation to those with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated LCDH and o/e LRH \< 30% that undergo expectant management, to compare the neonatal survival rate to discharge from the neonatal intensive care units (NICU), between fetuses with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated RCHD with o/e LHR \< 45% that undergo FETO procedure performed at 27 weeks 0 days to 29 weeks 6 days gestation to those with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated RCHD and o/e LHR \< 45% that elect to proceed with expectant management, to evaluate the frequency of maternal and fetal complications associated with FETO procedure, to evaluate whether the FETO procedure is associated with reduced long-term mortality and morbidities in isolated LCDH survivors with o/e LHR \<30% when compared to isolated LCDH with o/e LRH \<30% that undergo expectant management where all fetuses were found to have intrathoracic liver herniation and to evaluate whether the FETO procedure is associated with reduced long-term mortality and morbidities in isolated RCDH survivors with o/e LHR ≤ 45% when compared to isolated RCHD with LHR \< 45% that undergo expectant management where all fetuses were found to have intrathoracic liver herniation

Safety and Efficacy of FETO in CDH: A Phase III Trial

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect characterized by the development of a hole in the diaphragm, the breathing muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. As a result, organs in the abdomen can move into the chest and press on the developing lungs. This prevents the lungs from growing and developing normally. In severe cases, CDH can lead to serious disease and death at birth. For these babies, treatment before birth may allow the lungs to grow enough before birth so these children are capable of surviving and thriving.

Fetal Endoscopic Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) Trial for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)

This is a single site pilot trial to assess the feasibility and safety of treating severe CDH with Fetal Endoscopic Tracheal Occlusion with the Goldballoon Detachable Balloon (GOLDBAL2) along with the Delivery Microcatheter (BALTACCI-BDPE100) at Michigan Medicine. The study will enroll pregnant women that meet study criteria. Participants will have placement of FETO between gestational age at 27 weeks plus 0 days and 29 weeks 6 days. The timing for removal of FETO will ideally be between 34 weeks 0 days and 34 weeks and 6 days but ultimately decided by the Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center at Michigan Medicine. This study requires that study participants live within 30 miles of the Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital and C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in order to maintain weekly follow up appointments while the balloon is in place and up to delivery. Additionally, there are lifestyle considerations where participants would be unable to carry on normal daily activities including exercise and sexual intercourse, not be able to work the remainder of the pregnancy, as well as have a support person that is available to stay with such as a spouse, friend, partner, parent.