The Effects of Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) Therapy in Patients With COPD

Launched by MCGILL UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE/RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE MCGILL UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE · Sep 24, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a treatment called Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) therapy for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The main goal is to see if using this therapy can help improve coughing symptoms and how well the lungs are functioning. Participants will be asked to use a special device at home for four weeks, twice a day, and then return for follow-up tests to see if their symptoms and lung function have improved.

To join the study, participants must be at least 40 years old and have a history of smoking, along with a doctor’s diagnosis of COPD. They should also experience chronic cough or sputum production. However, individuals with certain other lung conditions or recent hospitalizations for breathing problems will not be eligible. This trial is not yet recruiting, but it aims to provide valuable information about a new treatment option for people living with COPD.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Males and females 40 years of age or more
• • 2. Former/current smokers with a cigarette smoking history for 10 or more pack-years
• • 3. Physician diagnosis of COPD previously confirmed by spirometry (FEV1/FVC less than 0.7) with 'mild' to 'very severe' (i.e. GOLD 1-4) COPD
• • 4. Chronic bronchitis phenotype: Sputum production or presence of productive cough greater than 2 days/week in the last 3 months for at least 2 consecutive years, or presence of cough and phlegm almost every day or several times per week
• • 5. Ability to participate without supplemental oxygen during all oscillometry testing
• • 6. Ability to provide informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. No COPD diagnosis
• • 2. Bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, or any other known suppurative acute/chronic lung disease as the principal respiratory condition
• • 3. Physician-diagnosed exacerbation and/or hospitalization for pulmonary symptoms in the 4 weeks preceding baseline testing
• • 4. Current use of OPEP, or any use of OPEP in the 4 weeks preceding baseline testing
• • 5. Current or recent participation in a standard Pulmonary Rehabilitation program in the 4 weeks preceding baseline testing or during the study