New Study May Show Promise for Wearable Tracking Device in Asthmatic Pediatric Patients

A study, led by Henry Schmidt, MD, examines a wearable device that will help record, transmit and interpret pediatric breath sounds in real time which could lead to earlier treatment and avoid hospitalizations in children with asthma.

This new clinical trial through a partnership with Strados Labs is evaluating wheezing in children through their wearable device, RESP™ Biosensor. The device is already FDA cleared in adults, and this is the device's first research initiative designed only for pediatrics.

 Dr. Schmidt, together with Dr. David R. Spielberg, attending physician, Division of Pulmonary Medicine at Lurie Children’s and assistant professor of pediatrics, are the first to examine the efficacy in children. This study aims to collect data essential for validation as well as provide feedback that may improve future modifications such as size and comfort level for children.

A third-year fellow, Dr. Schmidt believes this validation research represents an important step to use this device in a clinical application and provides a way to measure lung health in a safe, noninvasive format that is appealing to pediatric patients. “Utilizing this technology also has the potential to advance many pulmonary diagnostics, beyond asthma, in a way that addresses healthcare disparities in our communities through improved access to care.”

Enrollment for the study began in September, 2023. The enrollees will wear the device, and breath sounds will be tracked for several minutes. The study, funded by Strados Labs, will use the data collected to improve respiratory diagnostics on a larger scale. “I envision this device allowing us to diagnose and treat an asthma exacerbations earlier, even during a hospitalization,” said Dr. Schmidt.

To date, Lurie Children’s is the only pediatric institution conducting this pivotal-stage clinical trial in the pediatric population.