Clinical trials

This is a 3-part open-label study (feasibility phase, treatment phase and follow-up phase) of orally administered mirdametinib in combination with intravenous vinblastine chemotherapy in patients with PLGG with activation of MAPK pathway. Feasibility Phase: The maximum tolerated/recommended phase 2 dose (MTD/RP2D) of the mirdametinib plus vinblastine combination will be assessed using a modified Rolling-6 design. Treatment Phase: Patients will receive mirdametinib twice daily (continuously) at a fixed dose (2mg/m2 po BID up to 4 mg BID) for a total of 13 cycles (28 days cycle). Weekly intravenous vinblastine at MTD will be given for a total of 17 cycles. If adverse events occur, two dose reductions are allowed. Follow-up Phase: Following the end of treatment, patients will be scheduled for a follow-up visit every 6 months for 36 months to evaluate PFS, TTP and OS.

This observational study aims to compare mean arterial pressure measurements obtained using an ankle blood pressure cuff with those obtained using a standard upper-arm cuff in pregnant individuals undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. The primary objective is to determine the level of agreement between the two measurement sites.The main question\[s\] it aims to answer \[is/are\]: Demonstrate that the mean arterial pressure is similar between arm and ankle with the blood pressure cuff Every participant will be their own control. (Measurements will be taken at both sites on every participant)

Small connected devices monitoring vital signs do not exist in children although they could be very useful to monitor patients once they have left the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in order to early identify patients at risk of PICU readmission. The main objective of this study is to assess the accuracy of a connected thoracic patch (VT-Patch) for the continuous monitoring of vital signs in PICU patients. This monitoring device will be used to monitor children in PICU for 8 hours and results will be compared to the standard of care in the unit which is the Philips monitoring system. The investigators will assess the device's accuracy for the monitoring of 4 vital signs (SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature) and perform exploratory assessment of three additional parameters (EKG, blood pressure and movement capture). The skin colour of each participant will be categorized based on Fitzpatrick scale and non-invasive spectroscopic method.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of neuraxial analgesia initiation on the incidence of pruritus in laboring women. Specifically, this study aim to compare intrathecal fentanyl with epidural fentanyl in order to determine whether the epidural route is associated with a lower occurrence and severity of pruritus. By clarifying these differences, the research seek to optimize analgesic strategies during labor while minimizing opioid-related side effects

Background: Hysteroscopy (HSC) is a minimally invasive gynecological procedure that is considered to be the gold standard for diagnosing and treating intrauterine pathologies. In recent years, its use in outpatient settings for diagnosis has grown significantly due to its efficiency, low complication rate, and good patient acceptability. However, many patients still report significant pain and anxiety during the procedure. Despite advances in instrumentation and technique, pain remains a key reason for procedural failure, often worsened by preprocedural anxiety. While pharmacological strategies can be used to address this issue, they are not always suitable due to lack of effectiveness or feasibility. As a result, non-pharmacological approaches such as virtual reality (VR) and hypnosis are being increasingly explored. VR has shown potential in reducing pain and anxiety during medical procedures, and its combination with hypnosis may offer enhanced benefits, though current evidence is limited. Objective: This pilot study aims to assess the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (IVR) and Hypno-VR (HVR) in managing pain and anxiety during diagnostic HSC and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of both IVR and HVR interventions in an outpatient clinical setting. Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) will follow a three-arm parallel design to compare: 1- standard care, 2- IVR + standard care, and 3- HVR + standard care, during diagnostic HSC. A total of 45 participants (15/arm) will be recruited from the CHU Sainte-Justine's gynecology clinic and randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Primary outcomes will concern feasibility and acceptability including satisfaction of both patients and healthcare professionals. Secondary outcomes will assess self-reported pain and anxiety, physiological responses, procedure duration, procedure failure, and conversion rate from the "no-touch" vaginoscopy technique to traditional tools like the speculum and tenaculum. Demographic characteristics will also be explored as potential moderators of intervention effectiveness. Results/Conclusion: This pilot study will provide preliminary data on the effects of IVR and HVR on procedural pain and anxiety during diagnostic HSC. It will also assess the feasibility and the acceptability of integrating these interventions into an outpatient setting. The findings will provide essential data in preparation for a larger clinical trial

The aim of this randomized clinical trial is to verify the efficacy of VR immersion over a muted cartoon on a wall-mounted TV to decrease dental fear and anxiety of children undergoing dental procedures. The study also aims to gain insight on the satisfaction of parents and healthcare providers on the use of VR during dental appointments. Main research question: Does VR immersion compare to a cartoon on a wall-mounted TV is more efficacious to decrease dental fear and anxiety of children requiring dental procedures? Participants will be playing through a VR immersive game wearing a eye-tracking VR headset that requires no movement of the head to play, facilitating the dental procedure. The investigators will take measures of the stress levels of participants and their parents using a validated stress scale and also by taking salivary samples to verify the levels of a stress biomarker (alpha-amylase).

The aim of this within-subject randomized study is to examine the efficacy of a VR immersive game for pain and anxiety management of children during the subcutaneous injection of dupilumab for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. We will recruit children from 6 to 17 years. The main research question is: 1. Does VR immersive game will generate less anxiety and pain than standard procedures, for children receiving dupilumab injection for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis? 2. Does the occurence of side effects is similar between both study groups? Participants will be randomized according to either sequences: VR-Standard care or Standard care-VR. During the VR sequence, participants will be playing the VR immersive game during the injection. During the Standard care sequence participants will not benefit from any pain management but passive distraction tools will be offered (and documented) to children. The investigators will take measures of pain and anxiety, using validated scales, before and after the procedures at each sequence.

Background In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), mothers are encouraged to express their milk using an electric breast pump. This practice is promoted by nurses and neonatologists due to its beneficial outcomes for newborns. Compared to newborns exclusively fed commercial infant formula, preterm newborns fed breast milk (BM) are less likely to suffer from necrotizing enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis. However, the discomfort associated with using an electrical pump may discourage its use, and almost all mothers start expressing their BM after a premature birth but many stop after a few weeks due to fatigue and stress. Therefore, virtual reality (VR), an immersive experience, seems to be an interesting option as it would provide a relaxing environment and distract mothers of newborns in NICU from the stress and discomfort experienced in order to promote breast milk expression. Aim The aim of this within-subject, pilot clinical trial is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of VR on stress, discomfort, and volume of expressed milk in mothers of preterm newborns. Methods Design: Within-subject, randomized pilot clinical trial in which participants are their own control. Setting and sample: Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a Montreal pediatric teaching university center. Newborns under 29 weeks of age were chose to ensure that newborns would be admitted and remain in the NICU. The objective is to recruit 20 mothers of premature newborns. This will correspond to a total sample of 40 participants as they will be their own control. There will be 50% more mothers recruited (10) to compensate for the usually high attrition or rejection rate for this population, thus a total sample of 30 mothers. Healthcare professionals (nurses and doctors) providing care to participating mothers will be asked to fill a questionnaire on the feasibility of the VR intervention. Randomization and exposure to the interventions: The sequence of exposure to VR will be randomized, not the participants: sequence of 2 days with VR and 2 days without VR. The study will take place over the course of one week. Participating mothers will either be exposed to VR for a minimum of 2 sessions of 30 minutes/day for two days and the following two days to the control intervention or the opposite.

Low-value care is defined as the use of a health service, such as diagnostics and treatments, for which the harms or costs outweigh the benefits. In pediatrics, investigations or treatments can be unpleasant or traumatizing to the child, can prolong the time spent in hospital, and can create a cascade of further futile investigations and treatments. Several of the commonly used diagnostics and treatments in bronchiolitis are considered low-value, making it a great model to study low-value care in pediatrics. The purpose of CareBEST is to study the use of 6 low-value healthcare services in children aged 1 to 12 months hospitalized with bronchiolitis, their costs, and measure the variability in practice of these services. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. How frequently are 6 low-value care health services used in children hospitalized with bronchiolitis? These 6 low-value care health services are: 1) respiratory virus testing; 2) chest x-rays; 3) continuous pulse oximetry; 4) short-acting beta-agonists; 5) systemic corticosteroids; and 6) antibiotics. * Are there factors that predict the use of these services? * What are the costs of the use of these services? 2. How much variability is there between different patients, different doctors, and between hospitals in the use of these 6 low-value health services ? 3. Are differences in use of low-value health services associated with patient and family characteristics (like race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, language), and do these contribute to disparities in care? Participants will have their infant's medical chart reviewed during their hospitalization. They will also have 2 short questionnaires to complete, once during their child's admission to the hospital, and one 30 days later to ask about whether their child required any additional medical care. They will additionally be asked to complete a questionnaire on their perceptions regarding their child's care while hospitalized, including the use of shared-decision making and their understanding of and involvement in the care decisions made. This analysis will provide a better understanding of treatment of bronchiolitis in Canada and help in the development of effective interventions to reduce low-value care.

The Dyn@mo lifestyle intervention (CHU Sainte-Justine, Quebec, Canada) targets children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years old with cardiometabolic risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, disorders in glucose regulation or dyslipidemia. Its primary goal is to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary time to improve childrens' cardiometabolic profile. To do so, the intervention relies on gathering data on mobility and physical activity using wearable sensors. These data provide a detailed picture of real-life conditions and physical activity levels, improving the health care professional's ability to tailor counseling. The investigators are presently in the implementation phase of this intervention.

The aim of this study will be to evaluate whether a twice-daily antibiotic regimen is non-inferior to a thrice-daily regimen for the treatment of non-severe community acquired pneumonia in children presenting at a paediatric Emergency Department (ED).

Brief Summary The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the implementation of Momentum Spine™, a new 3D imaging software designed to improve the monitoring and management of idiopathic scoliosis in children aged 8-14 years. Idiopathic scoliosis affects 1-3% of the pediatric population and is currently monitored through hospital visits with radiographic imaging every 4-6 months, which exposes patients to cumulative radiation over time. This study explores whether Momentum Spine™ can provide a safer, more accessible alternative by enabling at-home monitoring using clinical photographs taken on smartphones. The primary questions this study seeks to answer are: Can Momentum Spine™ accurately predict scoliosis progression, including Cobb angle changes, compared to standard radiographic assessments? Can the use of Momentum Spine™ reduce the number of X-rays required and improve the timing of clinical follow-ups? Does the use of Momentum Spine™ affect patient satisfaction, healthcare utilization, and overall quality of life? This study is a prospective, two-arm randomized controlled trial conducted at CHU Sainte-Justine. Participants will be divided into two groups: the control group will receive standard care, which involves regular clinical visits and radiographic evaluations; the intervention group will use Momentum Spine™ at home, alongside standard care. Intervention Details Participants in the intervention group will: Use the Momentum Spine™ application to capture 3D images of their torso at home every two months. These images will be processed by Momentum Spine™ algorithms to assess curve progression. Participants will receive notifications and guidance on performing scans at home, supported by the study team to ensure accuracy. The primary outcomes include clinical measures such as changes in Cobb angle at 1 and 2 years, curve progression of more than 5 degrees, whether the main curve reaches 45 degrees, and the need for surgical referral. Secondary outcomes focus on the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of Momentum Spine™, as well as patient-reported measures such as health-related quality of life and satisfaction with care, users' acceptability of the software, healthcare services utilization and pathway costs. This study also aims to address key challenges in scoliosis care, including reducing radiation exposure, improving follow-up timing to align with growth spurts, and providing equitable access to care for families who may live far from specialty clinics. By validating the performance of Momentum Spine™, this trial has the potential to transform scoliosis management, ensuring safer and more effective care pathways.

In this research, the investigators are using an implementation science approach to enhance the uptake of a clinical practice guideline for earlier diagnosis of cerebral palsy (i.e. what is being implemented) in neonatal follow-up clinics across Canada. This clinical practice guideline should be part of what neonatal follow-up specialists do in their routine clinical work with children born preterm. However, there is a wide variability in practice. The goal of this project is to harmonize practices in the neonatal follow-up community in agreement with international recommendations for earlier diagnosis of cerebral palsy. This research will measure if clinicians are truly following the clinical practice guideline. If not, implementation strategies that address barriers and leverage on facilitators will be deployed for successful uptake of the clinical practice guideline. This research will also assess whether implementation of the clinical practice guideline is associated with better patient outcomes.

Background: The goal of this study is to address parental smoking and social adversity, which can present an obstacle for smoking cessation, in order to decrease childhood exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke. To address these factors, this study includes a smoking cessation intervention for parents and legal guardians recruited in pediatric clinics (CanCEASE), as well as the support of a Health Navigator (HN) to work with the participant towards the resolution or mitigation of unmet social needs. Participants: The research team will recruit one thousand participants from pediatric outpatient clinics within two healthcare centres in and around the city of Montreal, Canada, over the course of 2.5 years. Eligible persons are parents and legal guardians, of any sex and gender, accompanying children under 18 to their scheduled medical appointments, and who report at least one social risk in selected areas (i.e., employment, housing stability, ability to pay for utilities, financial resource strain, food security, transportation, childcare, parent education and health literacy). Participants must also be 18 years old or older with sufficient proficiency in French or English to complete the interviews and questionnaires. In households in which both parents smoke, only one will be eligible to participate, but smoking cessation information will be offered to both. Families presenting at the clinic for an urgent medical issue are not eligible to participate. Intervention: Participants will be divided into control group (care as usual with CanCEASE at the end of the study period) and intervention (CanCEASE + Health navigator). All participants will complete questionnaires at Baseline, 6 and 12 months. The intervention group will receive CanCEASE at the end of each questionnaire. Controls will receive CanCEASE at 12 months. The intervention group will have the possibility to meet with the HNs and will be invited to commit to at least two sessions (i.e.: evaluation and a follow up), with the option to book more time as needed. Aims and hypotheses: Examining how effective the combination of CanCEASE with HN support is in helping parents with unmet social needs quit smoking. Investigators will also examine the effects of the intervention on status of unmet social needs, if the intervention was implemented as planned and well accepted by clinics and participants, and what is the cost of the intervention for each person who quits smoking.

NeuroN-QI aims to evaluate the effects of an intervention consisting of periods of: 1) parents/preterm infants skin-to-skin contact and auditory stimulation by the parents's voice and 2) calm without manipulation with olfactory stimulation with breast milk in the incubator/bed both combined with appropriate light and noise levels to promote neurodevelopment preterm infants.

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity affecting the orientation and position of the spine. Locally, the shape of the vertebra is also affected. The most common form is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with a prevalence of 1-3% affecting primarily young adolescent females. AIS can either be treated using a brace and in some cases necessitate surgical correction to prevent progressive deformity. Risk factors for progression include female gender, curve magnitude and location, skeletal maturity and growth velocity. However, these risk factors have been shown to be inconsistent in predicting curve progression. Over the past 6 years, the investigators have developed a predictive model of the final Cobb angle in AIS based on 3D spinal parameters. This analysis was based on a prospective cohort of 195 patients that were enrolled upon their initial visit and followed until maturity. This predictive model has a determination coefficient of 0.702. The proposed new study aims at refining and testing the external validity of this model in a larger cohort. The next step towards using the new model in the clinical setting is to redesign the model and to externally validate the model by measuring the agreement between the new method and the traditional Cobb angle at maturity in a larger multicenter study. The objective of this study is to characterize the risk of scoliosis progression based on local three-dimensional vertebral and pelvic measurements present on initial evaluation. Three-dimensional reconstructions will be derived from stereo-radiographs acquired with a new biplanar low-dose radiographic system installed in all 8 clinical sites (EOS system, EOS-Imaging, Paris). These calibrated radiographs will then be used to reconstruct the vertebrae and intervertebral disks at each level as well as the geometry of the pelvis. A series of local and regional parameters will then be calculated from these 3D reconstructions. Correlation analysis will help determine if intervertebral disk wedging, vertebral wedging, transverse plane rotation or pelvic geometry can be used as early predictors of curve progression in AIS. Identifying a new 3D measure of scoliosis associated with rapid curve progression could help predict which curves need early treatment to prevent further progression. The ultimate goal of this research project will be to validate this new predictive model and finally transfer this new predictive tool in the hands of clinicians treating AIS.

More than 10,000 children are hospitalized in an PICU every year in Canada. While most of them will survive their PICU hospitalization and their critical illness, some children will not recover to their pre-illness level. Some may develop behavioral, physical, emotional or developmental problems and difficulties at school. All these problems are elements that are part of the Pediatric Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS-p). It is important to understand the elements (risk factors) that play a role in the development of PICS-p. In Canada, there is no systematic follow-up for children after they leave the PICU. Understanding what can cause PICS-p (risk factors) and how much PICS-p has an impact on children and their family is very important to the family well-being.