The EPIC Observational Study: Longitudinal Assessment of Risk Factors and Impact of Pseudomonas

Clinical Trial

Offered by: Nemours Children's
Location: Delaware Valley

Trial Name

The EPIC Observational Study: Longitudinal Assessment of Risk Factors and Impact of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Acquisition and Early Anti-Pseudomonal Treatment in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

What is the trial about?

This long-term study is being done to help identify risk factors for acquiring Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other infections in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients.

Who can participate?

Patients that have been participating in this study at another CF center may roll over their enrollment at this center.

What is involved?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) is a germ that often causes infections in the lungs of people with CF. Many young children with CF do not have Pa in their lungs but will become infected as they get older. Other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus (Sa), also cause infections in the lungs of people with CF. Cultures of sputum or throat swabs are done several times a year to help doctors determine if your child has Pa, Sa or other bacteria in their airways and to help the decide how to treat the infection.

There are many unanswered questions about Pa and Sa lung infections in people with CF. For example, it is not known why some people with CF develop Pa lung infections earlier than others. Nor is it known why some people need more antibiotics than others to treat lung infections. It is possible that genes, which are inherited from a parent, may play a part in infection. Treatment of Pa lung infections also differs from clinic to clinic. It is not known if these differences in treatment have an effect on health.

The purpose of this ongoing research study is to learn more about the factors that may lead to Pa and Sa infections in children with CF. The information collected will also help us to understand what happens to children with CF with regard to their treatment and health after Pa or Sa infection occurs.