Assessing counterpressure maneuvers for preventing fainting in children
Official title: Determining the Effectiveness of Counterpressure Maneuvers in Pediatric Patients Presenting With Syncope to the Emergency Department
Run by Simon Fraser University · NCT05555771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if teaching children techniques to prevent fainting can help them avoid losing consciousness when they visit the emergency room.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Simon Fraser University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 3, 2022 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05555771 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 6-18 who have experienced a transient loss of consciousness within the past week.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with known cardiac arrhythmias, traumatic head injuries, or other specified exclusions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of counterpressure maneuvers (CPM) in preventing syncope among pediatric patients who present to the emergency department with transient loss of consciousness. Participants aged 6-18 will first complete a survey about their syncopal episodes and then be randomly assigned to either receive usual care or training in CPM techniques alongside usual care. The study will follow participants for one year, collecting monthly surveys on their syncopal and presyncopal occurrences, while also reviewing medical records for any changes in diagnosis. The goal is to better understand pediatric syncope and improve management strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective techniques for preventing fainting episodes in children, improving their quality of life and safety.
How similar studies have gone: While research on pediatric syncope is limited, studies in adults have shown that counterpressure maneuvers can be effective, suggesting potential for success in this pediatric population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Those between the ages of 6-18 years (inclusive) 2. Presenting to the ED daily 1000-2200 with resolved transient loss of consciousness that has occurred within the last week 3. Able to complete the survey in English 4. Willing and able to provide consent and assent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Those with a known history of any of the following: * Suspected or confirmed cardiac arrhythmia diagnosis (e.g., Wolff-Parkinson-White, long QT) * Traumatic head injury * New presentation of seizure disorder * Epilepsy recurrence * Overdose, intoxication * Structural heart disease 2. Patients with hypoglycaemia and who are psychogenic with vasovagal syncope who do not present with prodromal symptoms 3. Previously enrolled in this study
Where it's running
-
BC Children's Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shubhayan Sanatani, MD — University of British Columbia
- Study coordinator: Erin L Williams, BSc
- Email: erin_williams_2@sfu.ca
- Phone: 6048976372
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.