Collagen fingerprinting to stratify pulmonary hypertension in chronic lung disease
Collagen Fingerprinting for Stratification of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Patients
Medical University of Graz · NCT07498244
This project tests whether fragments of non-classical collagens in blood and lung tissue can help detect and sort pulmonary hypertension in people with COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Graz (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Graz, Styria) |
| Trial ID | NCT07498244 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The investigators will analyze basement membrane and extracellular matrix remodeling by measuring non-classical collagen fragments in lung tissue and blood from patients with COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, including those undergoing lung transplantation and an outpatient cohort. Molecular patterns will be compared between patients with and without pulmonary hypertension to identify a potential circulating 'fingerprint' of disease onset and progression. The observational work uses tissue and blood sampling and targeted molecular assays to profile BM-derived biomarkers, with collaboration between the Medical University of Graz and the Medical University of Vienna. The aim is to prove the concept that these biomarkers could enable noninvasive detection and patient stratification.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, either in outpatient care or listed for lung transplantation, with or without known pulmonary hypertension.
Not a fit: Patients with other lung diseases, active infections, or conditions not driven by basement membrane remodeling are less likely to benefit from the identified biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier, noninvasive detection of pulmonary hypertension and help match patients to appropriate care.
How similar studies have performed: Related work measuring ECM and collagen fragments has shown promise in fibrotic and vascular conditions, but basement membrane-derived fingerprinting for pulmonary hypertension is novel and not yet clinically validated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Patients undergoing lung transplantation with COPD or PF, with or without associated PH and PAH. \- Outpatient cohort with COPD or PF, with or without associated PH or PAH. Exclusion criteria: * Presence of other lung diseases * Signs of infection, such as pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, or pleural effusions.
Where this trial is running
Graz, Styria
- Medical University of Graz — Graz, Styria, Austria (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Grazyna Kwapiszewska-Marsh, PhD
- Email: grazyna.kwapiszewska-marsh@medunigraz.at
- Phone: 004331638572918
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Lung Diseases, Collagens