The new study conducted by Mary Klinnert, Ph.D., Donna Bratton, M.D. , and Dan Atkins, M.D., will involve 100 pediatric patients who have respiratory and immunological illnesses other than asthma. These illnesses include food allergies, atopic dermatitis and vocal cord dysfunction. Patients selected for the Pediatric Outcomes Study will participate in either the Pediatric Day Treatment Program or the Pediatric Outpatient Program at National Jewish. Patients will be monitored for two years following their treatment to determine the effectiveness of involvement in either of these multidisciplinary programs. Improved quality of life is measured by criteria such as fewer limitations on activities, less anxiety and greater emotional stability.
Atopic dermatitis includes environmentally-linked skin disorders such as eczema.
The new Pediatric Outcomes Study is a successor to a Pediatric Asthma Outcomes Study initiated in 1998 that focuses on asthma patients. The preliminary indications for the Asthma Outcomes Study have been extremely positive. We ve seen a great decrease in the frequency and severity of symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Before participating in the Pediatric Asthma Outcomes Study, a typical child required frequent hospital visits and medication. These savings appear to be sustained through the second year of the study.