Evaluating pulse oximeters for children in Cape Town

Evaluating Novel Pediatric Pulse Oximeters for Outpatient Child Pneumonia Care in Sub-Saharan Africa

Not applicable Interventional Johns Hopkins University · NCT05914324

This study is testing two new pulse oximeter devices to see if they can help doctors better manage low oxygen levels in children with respiratory infections in Cape Town.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1200 (estimated)
Ages0 Months to 23 Months
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cape Town, Western Cape)
Trial IDNCT05914324 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness of two novel pediatric pulse oximeter devices in managing hypoxemia among children with respiratory infections in Cape Town, South Africa. The study will involve two main objectives: first, to determine how these devices impact the management of hypoxemia, and second, to analyze the burden of hypoxemia and associated mortality risks in children presenting with acute respiratory infections. By generating evidence on the use of pulse oximetry in outpatient care, the trial seeks to address critical gaps in the management of lower respiratory tract infections in low-resource settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 0 to 24 months who present with acute respiratory conditions characterized by cough or difficulty breathing.

Not a fit: Patients older than 24 months or those presenting with non-acute conditions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the early identification and management of hypoxemia in children, potentially reducing mortality rates associated with respiratory infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using pulse oximetry to improve outcomes in similar low-resource settings, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 0 to \<24 months of age inclusive
* presenting to care for an acute condition the includes observed and/or caregiver history of either cough and/or difficult breathing
* residing in clinic catchment area
* caregiver agrees to provide contact details including phone number and/or residential address
* caregiver agrees to be contacted after two weeks by the study staff
* caregiver is able and willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* 24 months of age or older
* presenting to care for a non-acute condition or an acute condition that does not include either observed or caregiver history of cough and/or difficult breathing
* does not reside in the clinic catchment area
* caregiver does not agree to provide contact details
* caregiver does not agree to be contact by study staff after two weeks
* caregiver unable to provide written informed consent

Where this trial is running

Cape Town, Western Cape

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 ChildInfantRespiratory Tract InfectionsHypoxia
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.