Examining symptom clusters in children with asthma

Symptom Clusters in Children With Exacerbation-prone Asthma

Phase 2 Interventional Emory University · NCT04002362

This study is testing whether an injection of a medication can help children with asthma who often have flare-ups feel better and keep their symptoms more stable over time.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment173 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04002362 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of an intramuscular injection of triamcinolone acetonide in pediatric patients with exacerbation-prone asthma. Participants aged 6 to 21 years will be monitored for 48 weeks to assess their response to the medication and the stability of their symptom clusters over time. The study aims to address the complex factors contributing to poor asthma control by identifying patterns of symptoms that may affect treatment outcomes. By focusing on both respiratory and mental health symptoms, the research seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of asthma in children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 21 years with a physician diagnosis of asthma and a history of exacerbations in the past year.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of allergic reactions to systemic corticosteroids or those with chronic medical conditions that may complicate treatment are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved asthma management strategies for children, enhancing their quality of life and reducing exacerbation rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying degrees of success in addressing asthma management, but this approach focusing on symptom clusters is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 6 to less than 21 years at the enrollment visit
* Physician diagnosis of asthma
* History of an asthma exacerbation in the previous 12 months, defined as either:

  * Treatment with systemic corticosteroids, or
  * Increase in rescue medication use (i.e., albuterol or inhaled corticosteroid) for 24 hours or more, or
  * One or more missed school days due to asthma symptoms, or
  * An unscheduled visit for asthma at either a physician's office, urgent care, hospital emergency room, or
  * Hospitalization for asthma

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous allergic reaction to systemic corticosteroids
* Hepatic, biliary, or renal disease that can interfere with drug metabolism/excretion
* Chronic medical disorders that may increase the risk of drug-related injury, including osteogenesis imperfecta (increased risk of fracture with corticosteroids), or Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, clotting disorders, or Factor deficiency (increased risk of bleeding with corticosteroid therapy)
* Pregnancy
* Current smoking
* Congenital disorders or deformities of the chest wall, lungs or airways
* History of premature birth \<35 weeks gestation
* Unwillingness to receive triamcinolone
* Planning to relocate before study completion

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia 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 Asthma in ChildrenAsthmaPediatrics
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.