Using diaphragmatic ultrasound to monitor breathing function in ALS patients

Contribution of Diaphragmatic Ultrasound for Monitoring Diaphragmatic Function in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Observational Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon · NCT05352958

This study is testing how ultrasound can help track breathing problems in people with ALS before they need breathing support.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dijon)
Trial IDNCT05352958 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) to assess diaphragmatic function using ultrasound techniques. It aims to monitor respiratory impairment, which is a critical aspect of ALS progression, particularly due to phrenic nerve damage leading to diaphragmatic weakness. The study will involve quarterly follow-ups to evaluate diaphragmatic insufficiency in patients who do not yet require non-invasive ventilation. The approach seeks to enhance understanding of respiratory function in ALS and guide timely interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients diagnosed with ALS who do not yet require non-invasive ventilation.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing diaphragmatic dysfunction requiring non-invasive ventilation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the management of respiratory symptoms in ALS patients, potentially prolonging survival and enhancing quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of diaphragmatic ultrasound is gaining interest, this specific approach in ALS monitoring is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

  * Certain or probable according to the revised Escorial criteria
  * no indication for non-invasive ventilation
* Adult patient
* Patient who has given oral consent
* Patient who speaks and reads French

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with pre-existing diaphragmatic dysfunction requiring non-invasive ventilation
* Person who is not affiliated to national health insurance
* Person subject to a legal protection measure (curatorship, guardianship)
* Patients deprived of their liberty
* Pregnant, parturient or breastfeeding women

Where this trial is running

Dijon

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 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
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.