National cohort of children with respiratory issues in Switzerland
Official title: Swiss Paediatric Airway Cohort
Run by University of Bern · NCT03505216 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at children in Switzerland with breathing problems to see how these issues affect their health and treatment over time.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 0 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 6000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 12 sites (Vienna and 11 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 6, 2017 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | April 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03505216 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 0-16 years who are residents of Switzerland and have been referred to a pediatric outpatient clinic for respiratory symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior diagnoses of cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, severe heart disease, oncological disease, neuromuscular disease, or severe disability may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The Swiss Paediatric Airway Cohort (SPAC) is a prospective observational cohort that collects data from children and adolescents in Switzerland who experience recurrent wheeze, cough, and exercise- or sleep-related respiratory problems. It aims to investigate clinical phenotypes, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions through comprehensive baseline assessments and ongoing follow-up via questionnaires. The study includes 4344 patients from 10 clinics across Switzerland, utilizing real-life data to enhance understanding of respiratory issues in pediatric populations. Participation involves routine clinical care without additional tests specifically for the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the management and treatment of common respiratory problems in children.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have successfully utilized cohort approaches to investigate pediatric respiratory conditions, making this a well-supported methodology.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children and adolescents aged 0-16 years * Resident in Switzerland * Seen in a paediatric pulmonary outpatient clinic due to respiratory problems * Parents and patients above age 14 must be able to sign an informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: Prior diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, severe heart disease, oncological disease, neuromuscular disease or severe disability
Where it's running
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University Children's hospital Basel, UKBB
Basel, Switzerland Recruiting -
Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine
Bern, Switzerland Recruiting -
University Children's Hospital Bern, Inselspital
Bern, Switzerland Recruiting -
Children's Hospital Chur
Chur, Switzerland Recruiting -
Pulmonology clinic, Horgen
Horgen, Switzerland Recruiting -
University Children's hospital Lausane, CHUV
Lausanne, Switzerland Recruiting
Show 6 more locations
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Children's hospital Lucerne
Lucerne, Switzerland Recruiting -
Pulmonology clinic, Worb
Worb, Switzerland Recruiting -
University Children's Hospital Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting -
Vienna Open Medical Institute
Vienna, Austria Completed -
Children's hospital Aarau
Aarau, Switzerland Active not recruiting -
Children's hospital St. Gallen
Sankt Gallen, Switzerland Active not recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Claudia E Kuehni, Prof.
- Email: claudia.kuehni@unibe.ch
- Phone: +41(0)316843507
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Observing symptoms in children with first-onset bronchial asthma
This study looks at how asthma shows up in kids and teens aged 3 to 18, especially if they have unusual symptoms like a chronic cough, to see if a specific questionnaire can help spot these cases better.
-
Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy to prevent early childhood asthma
This study is testing if giving high-dose vitamin D to pregnant women can help prevent asthma and wheezing in their children by the time they reach three years old.
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Fish oil supplementation during pregnancy to prevent asthma in children
This study is testing if taking high-dose fish oil during pregnancy can help reduce the chances of children developing asthma and breathing problems.
-
Using vitamin C to improve lung function in children of pregnant smokers
This study is testing if giving pregnant women vitamin C can help improve lung function in their children who were exposed to smoking during pregnancy.
-
Validation of a cough monitoring system
This study is testing a new wearable device that tracks coughs in patients aged 2 and older to see if it can help doctors better understand and manage respiratory issues.
-
Chronic Respiratory Disease Participant Engagement
This study tests whether adults with long-term lung conditions can get comfortable with a clinical trials unit and research team before joining future trials.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.