Understanding Sympathetic Nerve Activity in COPD Patients
Dissecting the Nature and Determinants of Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Patients With COPD
This study is trying to understand how the nervous system is overactive in people with COPD and what factors might be causing it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 135 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RWTH Aachen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aachen) |
| Trial ID | NCT04849806 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational project aims to investigate the overactivity of the sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) axis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Utilizing advanced technology and a multimodal approach, the study will assess the extent and nature of increased SNA, as well as the underlying mechanisms contributing to this phenomenon. Factors such as obstructive sleep apnea, inspiratory muscle dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, and systemic inflammation will be evaluated to provide insights into their roles in COPD. The research is conducted at the RWTH Aachen University Hospital's respiratory and autonomic nervous system physiology laboratory.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Not a fit: Patients with atrial fibrillation, active cardiac pacing, or established cardiovascular diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of sympathetic nerve activity in COPD patients, potentially enhancing treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored sympathetic nerve activity in heart failure, this specific investigation in COPD is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 * Ability and willingness to give informed consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Atrial fibrillation * Active pacing of the heart by a cardiac pacemaker (i.e. no intrinsic heart rate) * Clinically pre-established cardiovascular disease (e.g. arterial hypertension or systolic heart failure) * In-patient stay in the hospital within the last 4 weeks prior to the study examination date
Where this trial is running
Aachen
- RWTH Aachen University — Aachen, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jens Spiesshoefer, MD — RWTH Aachen University
- Study coordinator: Michael Dreher, Professor
- Email: mdreher@ukaachen.de
- Phone: +492418088763
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.