Utilization of Pulmonary Clearance Devices in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Study Purpose:

The investigator is examining the use of one airway clearance medical device compared to the use of two airway clearance medical devices together in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). More specifically, the investigator wants to know how effective the use of either a mechanical High Frequency Chest Compression (HFCC) device is on its own or the use of both a mechanical High Frequency Chest Compression (HFCC) device and Cough Assist together to maintain a healthy airway and clear secretions.

The first device is a passive form of mechanical High Frequency Chest Compression (HFCC), which was designed to help clear the airway of mucus and other secretions through mechanical knocking of the chest area. The second device, called a Cough Assist, aids patients to clear mucus and secretions that they would otherwise be unable to clear with coughing. This study will enroll up to 20 people in total at CSMC.

Study Status:

Not recruiting

Disease:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Study Type:

Interventional

Type of Intervention:

Device

Intervention Name:

High Frequency Chest Compression Device (HFCC), Cough Assist

Placebo:

Phase:

N/A

Study Chair(s)/Principal Investigator(s):

Ashraf Elsayegh, MD, FCCP, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Clinicaltrials.gov ID:

NCT02682030

Neals Affiliated?

No

Coordinating Center Contact Information

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Los Angeles, California, 90048 United States

Full Study Summary:

This 180 day (25.7 weeks) pilot study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of airway clearance devices in adults with ALS. Subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of two treatment groups: treatment with a mechanical HCFF device alone or treatment with both a mechanical HFCC device and a cough assist device.

This outpatient study includes a screening/baseline visit followed by a 180 day (25.7 weeks) treatment period with three scheduled clinic visits (day 30, day 90, day 180). Pulmonary assessments and ALS outcome measures will be collected at each visit in addition to quality of life assessments and device usage diaries.

Study Sponsor:

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Estimated Enrollment:

5

Estimated Study Start Date:

03 / 01 / 2016

Estimated Study Completion Date:

12 / 01 / 2018

Posting Last Modified Date:

08 / 25 / 2020

Date Study Added to neals.org:

02 / 15 / 2016

Minimum Age:

18 Years

Maximum Age:

N/A

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Suspected, possible, probable, Probable (Lab-Supported), or Definite ALS according to El Escorial Criteria

2. Males and females age 18 and above

3. Novel to airway clearance device use

4. Forced vital capacity ≤ 75% of predicted

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any contraindication for pulmonary ventilation scan including allergy to radioisotopes

2. Any contraindication for use of a pulmonary clearance device

- Susceptibility to pneumothorax

- Recent (within 30 days) barotrauma

- Unstable head or neck injury

- Active hemorrhage with hemodynamic instability

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Los Angeles, California 90048
United States