Airway Clearance in MDS – Ages 6-17

STUDY BASICS

Are you the parent of a boy between the ages of 6-17 years old who has been diagnosed with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy? If so, your child may be able to participate in a research study to see if simple breathing tests can help determine how well your child can clear their airways of mucus. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Neuromuscular diseases like muscular dystrophy affect the nerves that control the muscles. Over time, the muscles weaken and waste away. Children with weak muscles frequently have problems clearing mucus and secretions from their airways and lungs, which can lead to breathing problems and pneumonia. Many people with weak muscles use mechanical devices to help clear their airways, but there are not good tests to determine who is in need of this assistance. Being able to better identify people who are most at risk for airway problems would allow physicians to make better recommendations for care. The purpose of this study is to learn more about which factors make it difficult for people with neuromuscular disease to clear their airways. Researchers also want to know if simple breathing tests can help determine which children are unable to adequately clear their airways and therefore need additional treatments to prevent pneumonia.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

• Boys aged 6-17
• Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy or Becker Muscular Dystrophy

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves 1 visit lasting about 3 hours and includes breathing tests and nuclear medicine testing.