Evaluating a new method to safely rule out pulmonary embolism in children without using radiation
Official title: BEdside Exclusion of Pulmonary Embolism in children without Radiation (BEEPER)
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10841548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help doctors figure out if kids aged 5-17 might have a blood clot in their lungs, called pulmonary embolism, so they can avoid unnecessary scans and still make sure those who need treatment get it quickly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,356,732 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL148247-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10841548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 5-17 who present with symptoms that raise suspicion for pulmonary embolism in emergency departments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 5-17 years or those without symptoms suggestive of pulmonary embolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach called PERC-Peds, which modifies existing criteria used in adults to help doctors determine if children aged 5-17 may have pulmonary embolism (PE). The study aims to collect data on the symptoms and health conditions of children suspected of having PE in emergency departments. By using this method, the researchers hope to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure from CT scans while ensuring that children who truly have PE are diagnosed promptly. The study will involve around 4,030 children and will track their health outcomes over 45 days to assess the effectiveness of this new approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of unnecessary CT scans in children, lowering their risk of radiation exposure while ensuring timely diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of modifying existing adult criteria for children is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of pediatric care, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kline, Jeffrey a — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Kline, Jeffrey a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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AI-powered tool to better predict and manage acute pulmonary embolism
A new AI system uses imaging and patient data to improve how doctors predict short-term risk and tailor treatment for people with acute pulmonary embolism.
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Endovascular vortex ultrasound to treat blood clots in the lungs
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Supplemental Oxygen for Pulmonary Embolism: A Mechanistic Look at How Oxygen Helps the Heart and Lungs
This NIH grant tests how giving extra oxygen affects lung pressure and heart strain in people with acute pulmonary embolism, with supportive animal studies to understand the biology.
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Pulmonary embolism: catheter-directed clot removal for better outcomes
This trial tests whether delivering clot-dissolving medication directly to the lungs via a catheter helps people with submassive pulmonary embolism feel better and function better, with fewer bleeding risks.
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Pulmonary embolism treatment with catheter-directed thrombus removal versus no catheter therapy
This study tests whether removing clot with a targeted catheter approach helps people with submassive pulmonary embolism feel better and move more easily, compared with not using catheter therapy.
-
Molecular and imaging study of blood clots and inflammation in pulmonary embolism
A research project uses a mouse model to understand how blood clots and inflammatory cells affect pulmonary embolism and its outcomes, with the goal of better diagnosis and treatment for people with PE.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.