Long-term lung health impact of e-cigarette smoking
Novel Pulmonary Imaging of Lung Structure and Function in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic E-cigarette Smokers
This study is trying to see how using e-cigarettes affects lung health over five years in people aged 16 and older compared to those who have never smoked.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Western University, Canada Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT04616313 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This longitudinal study investigates the long-term effects of e-cigarette smoking on lung health over a period of five years. Participants aged 16 and older with a history of e-cigarette use will be monitored using advanced imaging techniques, including hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI, alongside pulmonary function tests and exercise capacity assessments. The study will compare these participants with asymptomatic controls who have never smoked e-cigarettes or cigarettes. Data will be collected at multiple time points to evaluate changes in lung function and structure. The study aims to provide insights into the chronic effects of e-cigarette use on pulmonary health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 16 and older who have been vaping for more than one year but less than five years.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for MRI or those unable to perform required pulmonary function tests may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the long-term health risks associated with e-cigarette use, potentially guiding public health policies and smoking cessation strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on traditional smoking have shown significant health impacts, this specific approach using hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI in e-cigarette users is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent must be directly obtained from legally competent participants before any study-related assessment is performed. * Male and female participant age ≥16 years. * Participant has recently started vaping, \>1 and \<5 years weekly use. * 70 participants will be c-cigarette never users. * 70 participants will be former or current c-cigarette users. * 10 asymptomatic age and sex-matched healthy people who have never used e- or c-cigarettes will be controls. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with contraindications for undergoing an MRI such as participants with MRI-sensitive implants, tattoos with MRI-sensitive dye and severe claustrophobia. * Participant is, in the opinion of the investigator, mentally or legally incapacitated, preventing informed consent from being obtained, or cannot read or understand written material. * Participant unable to perform spirometry or plethysmography maneuvers.
Where this trial is running
London, Ontario
- Robarts Research Institute; The University of Western Ontario; London Health Sciences Centre — London, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Grace E Parraga — Western University - Robarts Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Grace E Parraga, PhD
- Email: gparraga@robarts.ca
- Phone: 519-931-5265
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.