HelpILO - RCT on EILO Treatment

Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction; a Randomized Controlled Treatment Trial

Exercise induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is a common cause of exertional breathing problems in young individuals, caused by paradoxical inspiratory adduction of laryngeal structures, and diagnosed by continuous visualization of the larynx during high intensity exercise.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)
• Intervention / Treatment: Procedure: A: Breathing advice with bio-feedback; Procedure: B: Breathing advice with bio-feedback, Inspiratory muscle training (IMT); Procedure: C: Breathing advice with bio-feedback, Speech Therapy; Procedure: D: Breathing advice with bio-feedback, IMT and Speech Therapy; Procedure: A: If CLE-test unchanged, additional IMT and Speech Therapy; Procedure: Surgery 1: Supraglottoplasty - full procedure under general anesthesia; Procedure: Surgery 2: Supraglottoplasty - mini-invasive procedure under general anesthesia

Detailed Description

Exercise induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is a common cause of exertional breathing problems in young individuals, caused by paradoxical inspiratory adduction of laryngeal structures, and diagnosed by continuous visualization of the larynx during high intensity exercise.

Studies indicate that EILO responds positively to treatment interventions; however, the investigators lack randomized controlled studies to confirm this (10-15). This study aims to provide evidence-based information on interventions commonly applied to treat EILO. Background: Exercise induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is a common cause of exertional breathing problems in young individuals, caused by paradoxical inspiratory adduction of laryngeal structures, and diagnosed by continuous visualization of the larynx during high intensity exercise. Empirical data suggest that EILO consists of different subtypes that require different therapeutic approaches. However, currently applied treatment schemes do not rest on randomized controlled trials. This study aims to provide evidence-based information on treatment schemes commonly applied in patients with EILO.

Methods: Consenting patients consecutively diagnosed with EILO at Haukeland University Hospital will be randomized into four different conservative treatment arms, selected on the basis of promising reports from non-randomized studies: (A) standardized information and breathing advice only (IBA), (B) IBA plus inspiratory muscle training, (C) IBA plus speech therapy, and (D) IBA plus provision of both inspiratory muscle training and speech therapy. Differential effects in predefined EILO subtypes will be addressed. Patients failing the conservative approach and otherwise qualifying for surgical treatment by current department policy will be considered for randomization into (E) standard or (F) minimal laser supraglottoplasty, and a "wait-and-see" control group. Power calculations will be based on the main outcomes, laryngeal adduction during peak exercise, rated by a validated scoring system before and after the interventions.

Discussion: The study will provide evidence-based information on the treatment of EILO, listed as a priority in a recent statement issued by the European Respiratory Society, requested by clinicians and researchers engaged in this area, and relevant to 5-7% of young people.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Anticipated): 350
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Hege H Clemm, MD, PhD; Phone Number: 004792606661; Email: hege.synnove.havstad.clemm@helse-bergen.no
• Study Contact Backup: Name: Thomas Halvorsen, MD, PhD; Phone Number: 004792464843; Email: thomas.halvorsen@helse-bergen.no

Study Locations

• Norway
  • Vestland
    • Bergen, Vestland, Norway, 5021
      • Recruiting
      • Haukeland University Hospital, Children and Youth Clinic
      • Contact: Hege H Clemm, MD, PhD; Phone Number: 004792606661; Email: hege.synnove.havstad.clemm@helse-bergen.no
      • Contact: Thomas Halvorsen, MD, PhD; Phone Number: 004792464843; Email: thomas.halvorsen@helse-bergen.no

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 12 years and older (Child, Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• EILO with CLE score at peak exercise graded as ≥ 2 at glottic or supraglottic level and
• Respiratory complaints to an extent that the patient wants further treatment and follow-up.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Breathing problems caused by disorders other than EILO or well controlled asthma.
• Perceived to be unable to perform repeated maximal cardiopulmonary treadmill exercise tests, or failing to accept the procedures required for repeated successful CLE tests, or unable to perform any of the other examinations required by the protocol.
• Abnormal anatomy at rest in the laryngeal region or the upper airways.
• Age below 12 years

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Factorial Assignment
• Masking: Double

Number of Arms

9

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Phase 1, Group 1; Patients are provided with basic information and breathing advice with biofeedback (IBA). This is the reference treatment against which the other methods will be measured.	Procedure: A: Breathing advice with bio-feedback; Information and breathing advice with biofeedback will serve as an active comparator in this study, and time allowed for IBA and biofeedback in this study will be max 30 min. The teaching will be provided by the attending physician and the test leader. The session will follow a strict checklist. After the laryngoscope has been secured in correct position the patient will be shown his/her larynx on the screen, providing the patient with basic knowledge on laryngeal anatomy and function in a calm atmosphere before the CLE-test. After, the patients will be trained to make any symptoms abate, and a good breathing posture and how to optimally use their breathing muscles.
Experimental: Phase 1, Group 2; Patients are provided with basic information and breathing advice with biofeedback (IBA) and treated with inspiratory muscle training (IMT)	Procedure: B: Breathing advice with bio-feedback, Inspiratory muscle training (IMT); Breathing advise and IMT. The inspiratory muscle training (IMT) will build on the information the patients have obtained during the IBA and biofeedback session. The IMT will focus on training endurance and coordination of the PCA muscle, aiming to reduce fatigue of the abducting capacity of the larynx and to enhance coordination and create a sense of laryngeal control. When performing the IMT sessions, it is of utmost importance that a functional diaphragmatic breathing pattern has been established, and that this breathing pattern is maintained throughout all the IMT sessions. Once the patient has demonstrated that he/she is able to perform breathing according to these principles, the IMT session will follow a detailed protocol while wearing a flexible laryngoscope and settings and techniques are adjusted to ensure max open larynx. The patient will perform IMT training at home as instructed and have video meetings one and three weeks after initial training to observe progress.
Experimental: Phase 1, Group 3; Patients are provided with basic information and breathing advice with biofeedback (IBA) and treated with speech therapy	Procedure: C: Breathing advice with bio-feedback, Speech Therapy; The training period with the speech therapist takes three days, divided into 6 sessions. The training is continued at home, implementing the techniques during physical activity and at rest. The aim of the speech therapy is to help the patients to develop a strategy on how to control his/her larynx during exercise, and to be able to continue exercising without experiencing dramatic EILO incidents. They will be informed that the best approach is to start practicing while performing low to moderate intensity exercise, and then gradually increase the intensity as they become more confident. It will be emphasized that the new breathing technique they are about to adopt will need to be repeated until it becomes adapted as a part of their automated breathing pattern. Patients will be followed up with video meetings one and three weeks after initial training to observe progress.
Experimental: Phase 1, Group 4; Patients are provided with basic information and breathing advice with biofeedback (IBA) and treated with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and speech therapy	Procedure: D: Breathing advice with bio-feedback, IMT and Speech Therapy; All treatments as described above.
No Intervention: Phase 2, Group 1; Groups 2,3,4 in Phase 1 Wait for therapy effect
Experimental: Phase 2, Group 2; If patients from Phase 1, Group 1 (reference treatment) have unchanged CLE-scoring, they are treated with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and speech therapy.	Procedure: A: If CLE-test unchanged, additional IMT and Speech Therapy; All treatments as described above.
Experimental: Phase 3, Group 1; Treated with Surgery, supraglottoplasty - full procedure	Procedure: Surgery 1: Supraglottoplasty - full procedure under general anesthesia; Endoscopic supraglottoplasty with carbon dioxide laser and cold steel microlaryngeal instruments. The patient is intubated with an armored laser-tube which is positioned in the posterior midline to protect this area from laser injury. The laryngoscope is positioned into the vallecula and the surgery is visualized through an operation-microscope. CO2-laser beams of 2-4W focused with micro spot is utilized. Releasing incisions are made at the anterior border of both AEFs. The depth of the incisions are limited to the cranial border of the ventricular folds. The cuneiform tubercles including their surrounding mucosa are removed in a circular pattern before the two incisions are adjoined, thus creating a drop shaped excision. Care is taken to avoid scarring. It is recommended to protect the posterior commissure and the piriform sinus with wet tissue cloths. In case of perioperative edema of the laryngeal mucosa, corticosteroids are administrated to prevent laryngeal edema post-operatively.
Experimental: Phase 3, Group 2; Treated with Surgery, supraglottoplasty mini-invasive procedure	Procedure: Surgery 2: Supraglottoplasty - mini-invasive procedure under general anesthesia; Endoscopic supraglottoplasty with carbon dioxide laser. The patients are intubated with an armored laser-tube, which is positioned in the posterior midline to protect this area from laser injury. The laryngoscope (Benjamin/Lindholm) is positioned into the vallecula and the surgery is visualized through an operation-microscope. CO2-laser beams of 2-4W focused with micro spot are utilized. Four punctures will be made along the lateral borders of both aryepiglottic folds bilateral, thus creating a row of small punctures parallel to the rim of the aryepiglottic folds. The punctions should not be deeper than the incision in the "full procedure" (above); i.e. less than 5 millimeter, and care must be taken to avoid heat affecting the nervus recurrens posteriorly. Care is taken to avoid scarring and collateral thermal injury. It is recommended to protect the posterior commissure and the piriform sinus with wet tissue cloths. No antibiotic prophylaxis is administered.
No Intervention: Phase3, Group 3; Non-surgery control group

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Questionnaires	All patients will complete custom-made questionnaires recording demographic background variables and symptom scores. The questionnaires focus mainly on respiratory symptoms experienced by the patients, treatment they have been exposed to, and diagnoses they have been assigned. Relevant co-morbidities will also be recorded.	Day 1
Pulmonary function and exercise test - Spirometry 1	Recording of expiratory and inspiratory volumes and flows will be recorded: Forced expiratory and inspiratory volume capacity (FVC and FIVC). Volumes measured in liters	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Pulmonary function and exercise test - Spirometry 2	Recording of expiratory and inspiratory volumes and flows will be recorded: forced expiratory and inspiratory volume in first second (FEV1 and FIV1). Volumes measured in liters	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Pulmonary function and exercise test - Spirometry 3	Recording of expiratory and inspiratory volumes and flows will be recorded: forced expiratory and inspiratory flow at 50% of FVC (FEF and FIF50) and at 25-75% of FVC (FEF and FIF25-75). Volumes measured in liters.	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Continuous Laryngoscopy Exercise test (CLE-test) and scoring	CLE-scores from the video recordings from the CLE-test will be evaluated. Two highly experienced raters will score all CLE tests according to a system that has been published previously. CLE scoring of glottic and supraglottic obstruction, grades 0 to 4.	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) data - Variables of gas exchange	A treadmill will run according to a modified Bruce protocol, incrementing speed and/or grade every 1 min, aiming for peak oxygen uptake after 6-14 min. Variables of gas exchange are measured breath-by-breath. Oxygen absorption measured in mL(min)/kg. Co2 production and O2 production in mL/min.	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) data - duration of run	A treadmill will run according to a modified Bruce protocol, incrementing speed and/or grade every 1 min, aiming for peak oxygen uptake after 6-14 min. Duration of run is recorded in minutes and seconds.	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) data - distance of run	A treadmill will run according to a modified Bruce protocol, incrementing speed and/or grade every 1 min, aiming for peak oxygen uptake after 6-14 min. Distance of run is recorded in meters	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) data - oxygen consumption	A treadmill will run according to a modified Bruce protocol, incrementing speed and/or grade every 1 min, aiming for peak oxygen uptake after 6-14 min. Variables of oxygen consumption will be recorded. Oxygen consumption is measured in (mL/min)/kg	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) data - CO2 production	A treadmill will run according to a modified Bruce protocol, incrementing speed and/or grade every 1 min, aiming for peak oxygen uptake after 6-14 min. Variables of CO2 production will be recorded in mL/minute.	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) data - respiratory rates.	A treadmill will run according to a modified Bruce protocol, incrementing speed and/or grade every 1 min, aiming for peak oxygen uptake after 6-14 min. Variables of respiratory and tidal volumes will be recorded in liters and ratios calculated.	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) data - heart rates.	A treadmill will run according to a modified Bruce protocol, incrementing speed and/or grade every 1 min, aiming for peak oxygen uptake after 6-14 min. Variables of heart rates will be recorded in Hf/min.	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) data - Exercise tidal flow/volume loops	A treadmill will run according to a modified Bruce protocol, incrementing speed and/or grade every 1 min, aiming for peak oxygen uptake after 6-14 min. Exercise tidal flow/volume loops will be obtained at fixed interval during the session by plotting air flow (l/sec) and air volume the patient breathes during testing.	Through study completion, on average 6 months
Continuous laryngoscopy exercise (CLE) with pressure recordings	Translaryngeal resistance will be measured during CLE-testing in the third phase. Calculation of resistance will be based on pressure recordings obtained by two pressure sensors placed above and below the larynx, and airflow measured breath by breath by the mouth. Pressure is measured in kPa.	During Phase 3, average duration 6 months.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Haukeland University Hospital
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Hege H Clemm, MD, PhD, Haukeland University Hospital

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Roksund OD, Maat RC, Heimdal JH, Olofsson J, Skadberg BT, Halvorsen T. Exercise induced dyspnea in the young. Larynx as the bottleneck of the airways. Respir Med. 2009 Dec;103(12):1911-8. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2009.05.024. Epub 2009 Sep 26.
• Halvorsen T, Clemm HSH, Vollsaeter M, Roksund OD. Conundrums of Exercise-related Breathing Problems. Epiglottic, Laryngeal, or Bronchial Obstruction? Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2020 Nov 15;202(10):e142-e143. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201910-1921IM. No abstract available.
• Engan M, Engeseth MS, Fevang S, Vollsaeter M, Eide GE, Roksund OD, Halvorsen T, Clemm H. Predicting physical activity in a national cohort of children born extremely preterm. Early Hum Dev. 2020 Jun;145:105037. doi: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105037. Epub 2020 Apr 11.
• Fretheim-Kelly ZL, Halvorsen T, Clemm H, Roksund O, Heimdal JH, Vollsaeter M, Fintl C, Strand E. Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction in Humans and Equines. A Comparative Review. Front Physiol. 2019 Oct 30;10:1333. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01333. eCollection 2019.
• Sandnes A, Hilland M, Vollsaeter M, Andersen T, Engesaeter IO, Sandvik L, Heimdal JH, Halvorsen T, Eide GE, Roksund OD, Clemm HH. Severe Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction Treated With Supraglottoplasty. Front Surg. 2019 Jul 31;6:44. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2019.00044. eCollection 2019.
• Sandnes A, Andersen T, Clemm HH, Hilland M, Vollsaeter M, Heimdal JH, Eide GE, Halvorsen T, Roksund OD. Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction in athletes treated with inspiratory muscle training. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2019 Jan 18;5(1):e000436. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000436. eCollection 2019.
• Fretheim-Kelly Z, Halvorsen T, Heimdal JH, Strand E, Vollsaeter M, Clemm H, Roksund O. Feasibility and tolerability of measuring translaryngeal pressure during exercise. Laryngoscope. 2019 Dec;129(12):2748-2753. doi: 10.1002/lary.27846. Epub 2019 Jan 30.
• Andersen TM, Sandnes A, Fondenes O, Clemm H, Halvorsen T, Nilsen RM, Tysnes OB, Heimdal JH, Vollsaeter M, Roksund OD. Laryngoscopy Can Be a Valuable Tool for Unexpected Therapeutic Response in Noninvasive Respiratory Interventions. Respir Care. 2018 Nov;63(11):1459-1461. doi: 10.4187/respcare.06674. No abstract available.
• Clemm HSH, Sandnes A, Vollsaeter M, Hilland M, Heimdal JH, Roksund OD, Halvorsen T. The Heterogeneity of Exercise-induced Laryngeal Obstruction. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018 Apr 15;197(8):1068-1069. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201708-1646IM. No abstract available.
• Roksund OD, Heimdal JH, Clemm H, Vollsaeter M, Halvorsen T. Exercise inducible laryngeal obstruction: diagnostics and management. Paediatr Respir Rev. 2017 Jan;21:86-94. doi: 10.1016/j.prrv.2016.07.003. Epub 2016 Jul 18.
• Heimdal JH, Roksund OD, Halvorsen T, Skadberg BT, Olofsson J. Continuous laryngoscopy exercise test: a method for visualizing laryngeal dysfunction during exercise. Laryngoscope. 2006 Jan;116(1):52-7. doi: 10.1097/01.mlg.0000184528.16229.ba.
• Maat RC, Roksund OD, Olofsson J, Halvorsen T, Skadberg BT, Heimdal JH. Surgical treatment of exercise-induced laryngeal dysfunction. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2007 Apr;264(4):401-7. doi: 10.1007/s00405-006-0216-6. Epub 2007 Jan 4.
• Maat RC, Roksund OD, Halvorsen T, Skadberg BT, Olofsson J, Ellingsen TA, Aarstad HJ, Heimdal JH. Audiovisual assessment of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction: reliability and validity of observations. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2009 Dec;266(12):1929-36. doi: 10.1007/s00405-009-1030-8. Epub 2009 Jul 8.
• Maat RC, Hilland M, Roksund OD, Halvorsen T, Olofsson J, Aarstad HJ, Heimdal JH. Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction: natural history and effect of surgical treatment. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2011 Oct;268(10):1485-92. doi: 10.1007/s00405-011-1656-1. Epub 2011 Jun 5.
• Sandnes A, Andersen T, Hilland M, Ellingsen TA, Halvorsen T, Heimdal JH, Roksund OD. Laryngeal movements during inspiratory muscle training in healthy subjects. J Voice. 2013 Jul;27(4):448-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2013.02.010. Epub 2013 May 15.
• Roksund OD, Heimdal JH, Olofsson J, Maat RC, Halvorsen T. Larynx during exercise: the unexplored bottleneck of the airways. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015 Sep;272(9):2101-9. doi: 10.1007/s00405-014-3159-3. Epub 2014 Jul 18.
• Christensen PM, Heimdal JH, Christopher KL, Bucca C, Cantarella G, Friedrich G, Halvorsen T, Herth F, Jung H, Morris MJ, Remacle M, Rasmussen N, Wilson JA; ERS/ELS/ACCP Task Force on Inducible Laryngeal Obstructions. ERS/ELS/ACCP 2013 international consensus conference nomenclature on inducible laryngeal obstructions. Eur Respir Rev. 2015 Sep;24(137):445-50. doi: 10.1183/16000617.00006513.
• Norlander K, Christensen PM, Maat RC, Halvorsen T, Heimdal JH, Moren S, Rasmussen N, Nordang L. Comparison between two assessment methods for exercise-induced laryngeal obstructions. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2016 Feb;273(2):425-30. doi: 10.1007/s00405-015-3758-7. Epub 2015 Sep 8.
• Hilland M, Roksund OD, Sandvik L, Haaland O, Aarstad HJ, Halvorsen T, Heimdal JH. Congenital laryngomalacia is related to exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction in adolescence. Arch Dis Child. 2016 May;101(5):443-8. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-308450. Epub 2016 Feb 23.
• Roksund OD, Olin JT, Halvorsen T. Working Towards a Common Transatlantic Approach for Evaluation of Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2018 May;38(2):281-292. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2018.01.002. Epub 2018 Feb 19.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 1, 2021
• Primary Completion (Anticipated): December 31, 2023
• Study Completion (Anticipated): December 31, 2036

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: October 9, 2020
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 2, 2020
• First Posted (Actual): November 9, 2020

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): August 16, 2022
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: August 15, 2022
• Last Verified: August 1, 2022

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Exercise; Larynx; Obstruction
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Physiological Effects of Drugs; Central Nervous System Depressants; Anesthetics
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2020/134444

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: No

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No