Comparing two devices for treating breathing difficulties in children

Comparing the Efficacy of Two Valved Holding Chambers for Bronchodilator Administration in 0.5-4 Years Old Children With Acute Wheezing - a Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Tampere University · NCT03900494

This study is testing which of two devices helps young children with breathing problems feel better faster when they use a medication for their condition.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages6 Months to 4 Years
SexAll
SponsorTampere University Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Kuopio and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03900494 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of two different valved holding chambers (VHCs) in delivering salbutamol to children aged 6 months to 4 years experiencing acute respiratory distress due to bronchial obstruction. Eighty children will be randomly assigned to receive treatment with either the Babyhaler® or the Optichamber Diamond® VHC. The study aims to determine which device provides better symptom relief, reduces hospitalization rates, and minimizes symptom recurrence. Data will be collected through a manual case report form, focusing on the children's medical history and treatment responses.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 months to 4 years who are experiencing respiratory distress due to bronchial obstruction.

Not a fit: Patients requiring immediate hospitalization or those with severe underlying medical conditions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for children with acute breathing difficulties, enhancing their recovery and reducing hospitalizations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated significant differences in the efficacy of various VHCs, suggesting that this comparative approach could yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

- Children (age 0.5-4 years) seeking medical aid due to respiratory distress caused by bronchial obstruction

Exclusion Criteria:

* requiring immediate admission to inpatient treatment in hospital
* peripheral capillary oxygen saturation below 85% on admission
* physician-confirmed pneumonia
* inspiratory crackles on lung auscultation
* croup
* airway foreign body
* impaired renal or liver function
* immune compromised patient
* general condition affecting the study per investigation judgement
* bronchopulmonary dysplasia
* long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist treatment
* recruited to the ongoing study earlier
* have been enrolled in a clinical trial within 30 days prior to admission
* not willing to participate

Where this trial is running

Kuopio and 3 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 Bronchitis ObstructiveBronchiolitisObstructionBronchospasmBronchitissalbutamolvalved holding chamberpMDI
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.