Comparing surgery to watchful waiting for asymptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformation in children

The COllaborative Neonatal Network for the First Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM) Trial

Not applicable Interventional Erasmus Medical Center · NCT05701514

This study is testing whether surgery or just keeping an eye on children with asymptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformation works better for their health and quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment176 (estimated)
Ages1 Month to 1 Year
SexAll
SponsorErasmus Medical Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Nijmegen, Gelderlanf and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05701514 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative management versus elective surgical intervention for children diagnosed with asymptomatic Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM). Participants will be randomly assigned to either undergo surgical resection of the CPAM between 6 and 9 months of age or to be monitored conservatively. The study will follow both groups for five years, assessing outcomes such as endurance, parental anxiety, quality of life, and pulmonary health. The trial involves multiple centers within the Collaborative Neonatal Network for the first European CPAM Trial consortium.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants diagnosed with unilateral asymptomatic CPAM detected during prenatal ultrasound and confirmed by postnatal chest CT.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral lesions or those who develop symptoms before randomization may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the optimal management of asymptomatic CPAM, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored management strategies for CPAM, but this specific randomized approach comparing conservative and surgical options is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Lesion detected during routine prenatal ultrasound screening
* Delivery at term: gestational age ≥37 weeks
* Birthweight \> -2SD or \>P10
* Asymptomatic at birth defined as no prolonged respiratory distress or oxygen support (\< 24 hours)
* Asymptomatic up to the moment of inclusion
* Confirmation of CPAM on postnatal chest CT-scan at 3-9 months of age, according to structured report form (34)
* Unilateral lesion occupying no more than one lung lobe as assessed on chest CT-scan at 3-9 months of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Bilateral lesion
* Development of symptoms before randomization, considered by treating physician as caused by CPAM with reasonable certainty
* Complicated pregnancy defined as (pre-)eclampsia, pregnancy diabetes in mother, foetal hydrops or severe polyhydramnios on prenatal ultrasound
* Syndrome associated anomalies on genetic analysis confirmed by genetic expert
* Major associated malformations. Anomalies include cardiac malformations requiring surgical correction or follow-up by a paediatric cardiologist, congenital malformations requiring major surgical intervention, and anomalies that affect normal lung growth and development.
* Suspicion of malignancy on chest CT scan evaluation at the age of 3-9 months
* Participation in another randomised controlled trial

Where this trial is running

Nijmegen, Gelderlanf and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Congenital Pulmonary Airway MalformationAsymptomatic CPAMOptimal managementConservative vs surgicalRandomized
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.