Welcome to the TRALULALA study
A research project on lungs and airway health in children and adolescents with tracheomalcia associated with esophageal atresia
Eller: Lung damage, function and quality of life in chilren and adolescents born with tracheomalacia associated with esophageal atresia.
The TRALULALA study is a nationwide Danish research initiative focused on children and adolescents born with esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheomalacia (TM) — two rare but serious congenital conditions that can lead to long-term respiratory challenges.
Despite surgical correction of esophageal atresia in early infancy, many of these children face ongoing difficulties with breathing, feeding, and physical activity. However, the full extent and mechanisms of their respiratory problems remain poorly understood, and current follow-up practices vary widely.
Our goal is to:
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Improve our understanding of lung disease in this group
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Identify the most accurate and relevant diagnostic tools
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Develop a national structured follow-up program based on new methods and technologies
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Ultimately, enhance the long-term care and quality of life for children with EA and TM
This project is led by a collaborative team of pediatric pulmonologists, surgeons, and researchers from Rigshospitalet and Odense University Hospital, with support from national and international partners.
TRALULALA NEWS
📅 July 2025
Nationwide cross-sectional study launced
We are pleased to announce the launch of a nationwide cross-sectional study investigating lung symptoms, airway function and quality of life in children born with esophageal atresia.
This phase of the project includes clinical assessments, lung function testing, and patient-reported outcomes, and involves collaboration between multiple pediatric centers across Denmark.
📅 May 2025
🔍 PILOT STUDY ON LUNG FUNCTIONS TESTING COMPLETED
We have completed the pilot study assessing various lung function tests in children with esophageal atresia and suspected tracheomalacia.
The study explored feasibility, quality and clinical relevance of spirometry, body plethysmography, multiple breath washout, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).
Findings from this pilot will inform the design of the upcoming multicenter cross-sectional study.
→ Full study launch planned for autumn 2025
📅 January 2025
📄 NEW ARTICLE PUBLISHED!
Former research scholar Helene Holmark published a case study regarding the surgical options for tracheomalacia in Danish children.
You can read the full article here: Tracheomalacia and surgical options: A case series perspective
📅 Oktober 2024
🗣️ Represented at the ERS conference in Vienna
TRALULALA was represented by Marika Nathalie Rønne at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2024 in Vienna.
The congress provided a valuable platform for scientific exchange and collaboration across pediatric pulmonology.
