Nasal high-flow therapy for COPD exacerbations

Nasal High-Flow Therapy to Treat COPD Exacerbations: a Matter of Monitoring and Controlling Settings?

NA · University Medical Center Groningen · NCT03564236

This study is testing if nasal high-flow therapy can help hospitalized patients with COPD recover better from flare-ups compared to standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment136 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Medical Center Groningen (other)
Locations3 sites (Arnhem and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03564236 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the efficacy of nasal high-flow therapy (nHFT) in enhancing recovery from COPD exacerbations in hospitalized patients. It is a multicenter, randomized controlled trial comparing nHFT to standard care, aiming to include 136 patients. The study will also explore the underlying mechanisms of nHFT through neuromechanical and anatomical investigations. By understanding how nHFT works, the study seeks to optimize its application for COPD patients experiencing exacerbations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized patients with COPD (GOLD stage II to IV) experiencing exacerbations and showing signs of compensated respiratory failure.

Not a fit: Patients with stable COPD or those not experiencing exacerbations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve recovery times and quality of life for patients suffering from COPD exacerbations.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary evidence suggests nHFT may be effective in stable COPD patients, but this approach in exacerbations is novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients have to fulfil all of the following inclusion criteria:

* History of COPD Global Initiative of Obstructive Lung Diseases (GOLD) stage II to IV (FEV1\< 80% of predicted with an FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio \<70), with a history of at least 10 pack years smoking.
* Being admitted to the hospital with a COPD exacerbation
* Signs of compensated respiratory failure (hypercapnia (partial arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2) ≥ 6.0 kPa and/or hypoxemia (partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) ≤ 8.0 kPa at room air), with pH \> 7.34
* At least 2 COPD exacerbations in the year prior to the index hospital admission (exacerbation defined as worsening of pulmonary symptoms requiring oral steroids and/or antibiotics and/or hospital admission)
* Written informed consent is obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

* No lung function data available
* The presence of another acute condition (e.g. pneumonia, acute congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolus) explaining or significantly contributing to the index admission
* Inability to comply with the tests
* The presence of another chronic lung disease (e.g. asthma, restrictive lung disease).

Where this trial is running

Arnhem and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: COPD Exacerbation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.