Bubble PEP plus Segmental Breathing versus Incentive Spirometry for children with pleural effusion

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a randomized clinical trial enrolling 40 pediatric patients aged 5–16 at hospitals in Lahore who have pleural effusion. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either Bubble PEP with segmental breathing or incentive spirometry, with both groups also receiving conventional chest physiotherapy and mobility. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include lung expansion on chest X-ray, dyspnea using the Pediatric Dyspnea Scale, chest expansion by tape measure, oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and respiratory rate. The study tests whether the low-cost Bubble PEP approach can be an effective alternative to mechanical incentive spirometers in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 5 to 16.
* Suffering from Pleural effusion or hydrothorax.
* Thoracic drainage system in situ for 24 hours.
* Either gender will be included.
* Patients without any other co-existing illness.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any other pulmonary pathology that does not fit the diagnostic criteria of Pleural Effusion.
* Participants with unbearable chest pain, chylothorax, hemothorax, pneumothorax, chest trauma or rib fracture.
* Participants with other comorbidities leading to pleural effusion.
* Patients who have chest musculoskeletal deformities.

Where it's running

• The Children Hospital and University of Child Health Sciences
  Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Tayyba Bari, MS-PT — Riphah International University
• Study coordinator: IMRAN AMJAD, PhD
• Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
• Phone: 9233224390125

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.