Impact of ambient air vs nasal liquid oxygen on exercise performance in pulmonary vascular disease
Official title: Exercise Performance on Ambient Air vs. Commonly Prescribed Nasal Low Flow Oxygen Therapy in Patients With Exercise Induced Desaturation Due to Pulmonary Disease
Run by University of Zurich · NCT07777445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether using nasal liquid oxygen during a 6-minute walk test changes how far patients with PAH or CTEPH can walk compared to breathing room air.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07777445 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with PAH or CTEPH residing in Switzerland, with a history of desaturation during exercise and stable drug therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without desaturation during exercise or those who cannot tolerate nasal LOX may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this randomized cross-over study, adults with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) living in Switzerland undergo two 6-minute walk tests: one with ambient air and one with nasal liquid oxygen at about 4 L/min. Participants have a history of exercise-induced desaturation and are on stable therapy. The goal is to determine if nasal LOX affects walking distance versus breathing ambient air within the same individual. The trial uses a cross-over design to compare each participant under both conditions. Primary outcome is 6MWD under LOX versus ambient air.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If LOX improves exercise capacity, patients may experience greater ease during daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches have shown mixed results in respiratory and vascular conditions, making this cross-over study informative for this specific patient group.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \- Minimum 18 years of age * Written informed consent * Patients with diagnosed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), distal chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with emphysema, COPD without emphysema, or interstitial lung disease * Former desaturation under exercise defined as SpO2-decrease \>3% * Treated with a stable drug therapy (with no changes for at least 14 days prior to screening) Exclusion Criteria: * \- Severe hypoxemia needing supplemental oxygen therapy defined as PaO2 \< 6.9 kPa * Inability or contraindications to undergo the investigated intervention * Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, walk disability etc.
Where it's running
-
University Hospital Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Silvia Ulrich, Prof. Dr. med. — University Hospital Zurich, Department of Pulmonology
- Study coordinator: Silvia Ulrich, Prof. Dr. med.
- Email: silvia.ulrich@usz.ch
- Phone: +41442552220
Similar studies
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Liquid oxygen vs ambient air during a 6-minute walk in people with pulmonary vascular disease
This study tests whether walking with liquid oxygen at about 4 L/min helps or hinders distance walked compared with walking on room air in adults with PAH or CTEPH living in Switzerland.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.