Using ultrasound to predict airway issues in children after extubation

POCUS of the Pediatric Critical Airway, A Prospective Clinical Observational Study

Observational Northwell Health · NCT06212037

This study tests if using ultrasound can help doctors predict which children might have breathing problems after being taken off a ventilator.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwell Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (Queens, New York)
Trial IDNCT06212037 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of point of care ultrasound in measuring laryngeal air column width differences as a predictive tool for post-extubation stridor in pediatric patients. Participants will be enrolled when they are ready for extubation, and ultrasound assessments will be conducted to record airway measurements. The study seeks to identify high-risk patients for post-extubation stridor, which can lead to respiratory complications, by comparing ultrasound results with standard evaluation methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 0 to 18 years who are on mechanical ventilation with an endotracheal tube and are approaching extubation readiness.

Not a fit: Patients over 18 years old or those with a current tracheostomy or recent history of upper airway obstruction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the ability to predict and prevent respiratory distress in pediatric patients after extubation.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound in predicting airway complications is gaining traction, this specific approach in the pediatric population is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 0 to 18 years
* Mechanical ventilation with an endotracheal tube
* Patient on or approaching extubation readiness

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \>18 years
* Current tracheostomy in place
* History of recent upper airway obstruction or vocal cord paralysis
* Patients who cannot have their neck in a slightly hyperextended position due to injury or ligament laxity

Where this trial is running

Queens, New York

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 Stridor
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.