Investigating Atrial Fibrosis in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Official title: Atrial Fibrosis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients: A Pilot Study
Run by Tulane University · NCT04814420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see if people with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to develop atrial fibrosis compared to those without the condition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Tulane University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (New Orleans, Louisiana and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 12, 2021 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04814420 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-75 with mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea confirmed by polysomnography, as well as controls without OSA or atrial fibrillation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant comorbidities affecting cardiac health or those with a prior diagnosis of atrial fibrillation may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to explore the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the development of atrial fibrosis. It will involve 60 patients with varying degrees of OSA and 5 control subjects, all of whom will undergo delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) to assess the presence of atrial fibrosis. The study will collect demographic data, medical history, and previous polysomnography results to confirm OSA diagnoses. The goal is to determine if OSA is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrosis in patients without a history of atrial fibrillation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of atrial fibrosis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between OSA and atrial fibrosis is being explored, this specific approach using DE-MRI in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Group A: 10 patients 18-75-year-old With mild OSA (5\<AHI\<15), confirmed by polysomnography. No previous AF diagnosis on the medical chart Group B: 10 patients 18-75-year-old With moderate OSA (15\<AHI\<30), confirmed by polysomnography. No previous AF diagnosis on the medical chart Group C: 10 patients 18-75-year-old With severe OSA (AHI\>30), confirmed by polysomnography. No previous AF diagnosis on the medical chart Group D (mild OSA+ AF): 10 patients 18-75-year-old With mild OSA (5\<AHI\<15), confirmed by polysomnography. Previous AF diagnosis * In this group, patients with AF and OSA who already have done MRI might be included. Group E (severe OSA +AF): 10 patients 18-75-year-old With severe OSA (AHI\>30), confirmed by polysomnography. Previous AF diagnosis \*In this group, patients with AF and OSA who already have done MRI might be included. Group F (Control): 10 Patients 18-75-year-old No previous OSA and/or AF Diagnosis on the medical chart Exclusion Criteria: * History of chronic heart failure (LVEF \< 50%), AF, myocardial infarction, valvular disease. * Prior cardiac or chest surgery. * Other advanced pulmonary disease (severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or asthma, pulmonary hypertension) or central sleep apnea. * Contraindications to DE-MRI (e.g. allergy to gadolinium, pacemakers, defibrillators (ICD's), other devices/implants contraindicated for MRI, glomerular filtration rate \<30 ml/min, etc.). * Pregnancy. * Inability to give informed consent.
Where it's running
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East Jefferson General Hospital
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Recruiting -
University Medical Center
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Recruiting -
Tulane Doctors - Speciality Care - Napoleon
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amitabh Pandey, MD — Tulane University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Christian Massad, MD
- Email: cmassad@tulane.edu
- Phone: 504-988-3072
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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.