STOP PEDS RCT is a study to test two ways to treat lung flare-ups (called pulmonary exacerbations or PEx) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a lung disease caused by a problem with a gene called CFTR, and it can make breathing hard. In this study, one group of kids will get antibiotics right away when they have a PEx. The other group will only get antibiotics if their symptoms get worse or don’t get better.
Key Points:
- Study lasts for 1 year, with regular check-ins.
- Open to children ages 3-18 with CF; some must be on a special medicine called Highly Effective Modulator Therapy (HEMT).
- Participants may join extra activities like throat swabs or lung checks at home.
To join, children must have a CF diagnosis, and parents need to agree. Kids should be able to use a phone and internet. Some can't join if they're on certain medicines or have specific health issues. The goal is to find the best way to treat these lung problems with fewer antibiotics.