Background
Since asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease in the U.S., the CARE Network was established to evaluate treatments for children with asthma. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) established the Childhood Asthma Research and Education (CARE) Network in 1999. Five clinical centers, two satellite centers, and a data-coordinating center were selected to participate in this research network. The CARE Network is conducting several studies for children with asthma and they have been sharing their findings with the health care community.
Problem
Many times preschool children with frequent recurrent and intermittent wheezing episodes brought on by a viral infection require either the use of systemic corticosteroid treatments or hospitalizations to treat their symptoms. This poses a major public health challenge.
Purpose
The purpose of this research study is to find out if the use of a higher dose of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) can reduce the severity of wheezing symptoms when used only during a cold as compared to a more standard therapy of using a low dose of ICS every day.
Objectives
This study will collect empirical data on the questions about treatment in preschool children:
- In toddlers who wheeze, can they use medications only when they are sick versus everyday?
- What is the safety and efficacy of these two ICS regimens directed at both reducing the risk and impairment of recurrent wheezing in toddlers?
Population Served
Nationwide, 250 at-risk children (age 12-53 months) who have a positive asthma predictive index and history of a severe exacerbation in the prior year.
Timeline
Individual study participation lasts for 12 months; the study is slated to end in late 2010.
Funding Source
National Institute of Health’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Local Principal Investigator
Elizabeth Bade, M.D.
Aurora UW Medical Group
For more information, contact:
Ruth Perez, B.A.
Project Coordinator
(414) 219-CARE (2273)
ruth.1.perez@aurora.org
Or visit the Care Network website:
http://www.asthma-carenet.org/
Clinical Centers
Denver: National Jewish Medical & Research Center
Madison: University of Wisconsin
San Diego: University of California
Kaiser Permanente California
St. Louis: Washington University
Tucson: University of Arizona
Satellite Centers
Albuquerque: University of New Mexico
Milwaukee: Center for Urban Population Health
Data Coordinating Center
Hershey : Penn State University
NIH Funding Agency
Bethesda, MD: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
CARE Network Organizational Information
Administratively, the main governing body of the network is its Steering Committee. The Steering Committee consists of the Principal Investigator from each Clinical Center, the Principal Investigator from the Data Coordinating Center, a Chairman who is not an Investigator, and a Project Scientist from the NHLBI.
