Respiratory Muscle Health in End-Stage COPD on the Transplant Path
Official title: Respiratory Muscles in End-stage Lung Disease: PAthophysiological Processes & Clinical Consequences
Run by University Medical Center Groningen · NCT06935825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how respiratory muscles behave in people with severe COPD who are on the lung transplant waiting list, and whether noninvasive ventilation and muscle changes influence recovery after transplant.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Medical Center Groningen Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Amsterdam and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06935825 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with GOLD stage III-IV COPD on the lung transplant waiting list.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not have significant respiratory muscle dysfunction or whose condition is not influenced by NIV may see limited direct benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational cohort study follows adults with severe COPD on the lung transplant waiting list to assess in vivo respiratory muscle function and the relationship to muscle fiber structure and contractility. It aims to understand how chronic noninvasive ventilation affects respiratory muscles and whether muscle characteristics at transplant predict post-operative recovery. Researchers will combine functional tests with analyses of respiratory muscle biopsies to explore mechanisms of diaphragmatic and accessory muscle dysfunction. The goal is to identify targets to prevent respiratory pump failure and improve outcomes for end-stage COPD patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform strategies to preserve respiratory muscle health and improve post-transplant recovery for people with end-stage COPD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in respiratory muscle pathology in COPD supports a mechanistic link between muscle structure, function, and clinical outcomes, but this study takes a translational approach by linking biopsies with in vivo testing in transplant candidates.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a participant must meet all of the following criteria: * Age \> 18 years old * Severe COPD defined as COPD GOLD stage III or IV (FEV1 \< 50% of predicted; FEV1/FVC ratio \< 70%, no significant reversibility, smoking history of at least 10 pack-years). * Being on the lung transplant waiting list * Being able to understand the patient information and provide written informed consent for participation in the study A potential participant who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * Patients suffering from acute conditions at the time of inclusion or LTx * Patients using more than 20 mg of morphine, or an equivalent, or more than 20 mg oxazepam, or an equivalent, at the time of inclusion or LTx
Where it's running
-
University Medical Center Groningen
Groningen, Netherlands Recruiting -
Erasmus Medical Center
Rotterdam, Netherlands Recruiting -
Amsterdam University Medical Center
Amsterdam, Netherlands Not yet recruiting -
Radboud University Medical Center
Nijmegen, Netherlands Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marieke L Duiverman, MD PhD
- Email: m.l.duiverman@umcg.nl
- Phone: +31503616161
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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.