Research

Pediatric Asthma Controller Trial (PACT)

Researchers at the Arizona Respiratory Center study three treatment options for children with mild-moderate persistent asthma to determine the preferred treatment method. The Pediatric Asthma Controller Trial (PACT) is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to assess days without asthma symptoms as the primary outcome. This two-year study will include 300 children nationwide between the ages of 6-14.

Information gleaned from the study will be used to:

• Determine what is the first line choice in controller therapy (inhaled ICS alone, inhaled ICS in combination with inhaled LABA, or a LTRA) for children with mild-moderate persistent asthma.
• Determine whether three different controller therapies differ in their effect on indicators of airway obstruction over 12 months of treatment.
• Determine whether these three different controller therapies differ in their adherence patterns, asthma-specific quality of life assessments, and adverse event/safety profiles over 12 months of treatment.
• To profile patients who are responders and non-responders to each of the treatment regimens.

PACT has the potential to change the approach to the management of mild-moderate persistent childhood asthma. The extent of asthma control achieved by any one treatment arm, coupled with the safety profile, will determine which of the 3 treatments is the best first-line management of mild-moderate persistent asthma in 6-14 year olds.

Primary focus: Asthma