A research project on lungs and airway health in children and adolescents with tracheomalcia 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:
Improve our understanding of lung disease following esophageal atresia
Identify the most accurate and relevant clinical tool to monitor lung disease in this group
Develop a national structured respiratory follow-up program for children born with Esophageal Atresia - based on new methods and technologies
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.
📅 July 2025
📢 NEW PUBLICATION: National Study on Esophageal Atresia and Respiratory Morbidity
We are proud to share that a new research article from the Tralulala project has been published:
This nationwide study is the first of its kind to examine how esophageal atresia is linked to long-term respiratory complications in childhood. Using data from national health registries, the study provides valuable insights into the burden of disease and the need for multidisciplinary follow-up of affected children.
The article is published as PREPRINT.
This phase of the project includes clinical assessments, lung function testing, and patient-reported outcomes, and involves collaboration between multiple pediatric centers across Denmark.
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
📄 NEW ARTICLE PUBLISHED!
Former research scholar Helene Holmark published a case study regarding the surgical options for tracheomalacia in Danish children.
→ Full article here: Tracheomalacia and surgical options: A case series perspective
📅 Oktober 2024
🗣️ REPRESENTATION 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.
