The Effect of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Pulmonary Gas-exchange in COPD

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA · Jan 14, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how inhaled nitric oxide, a medication that can help improve blood flow in the lungs, might make it easier for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to breathe during exercise. COPD is a lung condition that often makes breathing hard, especially when being active. The researchers believe that even people with mild COPD, who may seem to have good lung function, struggle with getting enough oxygen into their blood when they exercise. By testing this medication, they hope to find out if it can help these patients breathe easier and exercise longer, ultimately leading to better treatment options and improved quality of life.

To participate in the study, individuals aged 18 to 85 with mild or moderate COPD, as well as healthy individuals, can apply. Eligible participants with COPD must have a history of smoking and meet specific lung function criteria. Those with other significant health issues or certain medications will not be included. During the trial, participants will undergo tests to see how well they can breathe and exercise. This research aims to shed light on the challenges faced by COPD patients and explore new ways to help them manage their symptoms better.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Twenty participants with mild COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) below the lower limit of normal (\<-1.64 z-score)1) and FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted, with a smoking history (10 \> pack-years) will be recruited. Twenty participants with moderate COPD (FEV1/ FVC below the lower limit of normal (\<-1.64 z-score)1) and FEV1 50-80% predicted, with a smoking history (10 \> pack-years) will also be recruited. Additionally, 40 healthy individuals with be recruited.
• • Participants will be free of any known significant cardiovascular, metabolic or neuromuscular disease. Participants with COPD will have global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) Stage 1 mild COPD (FEV1/FVC ratio \<0.70 and FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted1) and Stage 2 moderate COPD (FEV1/FVC ratio \<0.70 and FEV1 50-80% predicted) and a \>10 pack-year smoking history. Controls will have normal lung function, minimal smoking history and no previous diagnosis of COPD. Participants will range from 18-85 years old.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with significant cardiovascular, metabolic, neuromuscular or any other disease that could contribute to dyspnea or abnormal cardiopulmonary responses to exercise will be excluded.
• • Individuals with musculoskeletal injuries that prevent them from completing cycle ergometry exercise trials will be excluded.
• • COPD participants currently on oral steroids (i.e. prednisone), phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors or supplemental O2 therapy will be excluded.