Preterm Inhaled Corticosteroid Intervention (PICSI) Study

What's the study about?

More than 15 million babies are born preterm each year. Those that survive face a lifetime of ongoing breathing problems and lung function that worsens through childhood. Some researchers have suggested that ongoing inflammation in the lungs might contribute to worsening lung function.

Our study aims to understand how inflammation in the lungs contributes to these ongoing breathing problems during childhood. We will also look at how the exhaled breath of preterm children is different to term children and test how treatment with an inhaled anti-inflammatory medicine changes the lung disease in preterm children.

Who can take part?

We're looking for children aged 6-12 years old, who were born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation) at King Edward Memorial Hospital. Download the Parent Information Sheet for children born preterm here.

We are also looking for healthy children aged 6-12 years old, who were born at term (>37 weeks gestation) and have no history of recurrent breathing problems. Download the Parent Information Sheet for children born at term here.

How can I find out more?

Contact Rhea Urs or Denby Evans on 0421 489 869 or by email at Preterm@telethonkids.org.au