Portable oxygen therapy for people with mild-to-moderate interstitial lung disease

Ambulatory Oxygen Therapy for Individuals With Mild-to-moderate Interstitial Lung Disease

This study is testing whether portable oxygen therapy can help people with mild-to-moderate interstitial lung disease breathe better and feel more active during physical activities.

Quick facts

• Phase: Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 85 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Alberta (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta)
• Trial ID: NCT06053164 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of portable oxygen therapy on individuals with fibrotic interstitial lung disease who experience low oxygen levels during physical activity. Participants will receive oxygen therapy for 8 weeks, along with individualized support from a respiratory therapist and educational materials. The goal is to assess improvements in quality of life, exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, and blood vessel function. The study aims to provide evidence for the efficacy of ambulatory oxygen therapy in patients who are normoxic at rest but hypoxemic during exertion.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with fibrotic interstitial lung disease who have normal oxygen saturation at rest but experience exertional hypoxemia.

Not a fit: Patients who have used home oxygen therapy for ILD in the past year or have significant comorbid conditions requiring oxygen therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life and physical capabilities of patients with interstitial lung disease.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the efficacy of ambulatory oxygen therapy in this specific patient population, similar approaches have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with fibrotic ILD (all sub-groups of ILD) who have normal oxygen saturation at rest (SpO2 \> 90%) but develop exertional hypoxemia as demonstrated by a SpO2 = 80-89% with activity (measured during 6MWT).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of home oxygen therapy within the previous year for the management of ILD, co-morbid conditions that may require oxygen therapy (such as COPD, cardiovascular disease, or other illnesses), or individuals that require the use of non-invasive ventilation. Additionally, individuals with significant cardiovascular, metabolic, neuromuscular or any other disease that could contribute to dyspnea or abnormal cardiopulmonary responses to exercise will be excluded. Individuals with musculoskeletal injuries that prevent them from completing cycle ergometry exercise trials and ambulation will also be excluded. Individuals with peripheral vascular disease will be excluded from measurement of vascular function (flow mediated dilation).

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta

• Clinical Physiology Laboratory — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mike Stickland — University of Alberta
• Study coordinator: Matt Rieger, PhD

Conditions Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease; Exertional Oxygen; Ambulatory Oxygen; Interstitial Lung Disease