The All Age Asthma Cohort (ALLIANCE) of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Pediatric Arm

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating asthma and wheeze in children and how different forms and progressions of these conditions develop. The study aims to understand the underlying mechanisms and identify specific molecular patterns linked to various asthma and wheeze types. This may help create personalized treatments and early prevention methods. The research is part of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL) and focuses on childhood asthma, including those who are newly diagnosed or already receiving controller therapy, as well as healthy children for comparison. Children with new or existing wheeze or asthma, including those not yet treated with steroids or leukotriene receptor antagonists, are being recruited. Healthy children matched by age and sex are also included as controls. Participants undergo regular assessments, including lung function tests and collection of biological samples such as blood, nasal secretions, and sputum. These procedures are repeated over time to monitor disease progression and molecular changes. The study uses standardized methods and quality controls across multiple sites. Participants will have detailed clinical exams, questionnaires, lung function tests, and provide various biological samples at baseline and during yearly follow-ups for up to two years. Researchers will track asthma prevalence, wheeze episodes, lung function, biomarkers like exhaled nitric oxide, and frequency of flare-ups. Data management and laboratory teams analyze the collected information using advanced computational techniques to identify patterns and potential targets for personalized care. The study aims to minimize missing data and apply statistical methods to ensure robust findings over the study duration.

Pediatric Arm of DZL All Age Asthma Cohort