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Completed

NCT Number: NCT03235297

Effects of Altitude on Single-Breath Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide

The purpose of this study is to further understand the effects of altitude on the physiology of gas exchange in the pulmonary microcirculation in normal subjects and in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) measured as the single-breath diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCOsb). The study will determine a mathematical formula to allow for altitude corrections in both study populations to be used clinically in pulmonary labs.

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Key information

Conditions

COPD Chronic Disease Disease Attributes Lung Diseases Lung Diseases, Obstructive Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Tract Diseases

Age range

20 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Intermountain Medical Center

Murray, Utah, 84157, United States

About this study

The DLCOsb is one of the most common and widely tests clinically used across the world in pulmonary function laboratories to assess gas exchange from the lung to hemoglobin in the pulmonary circulation. This test is used in the differential diagnosis of respiratory related symptoms, to grade the degree of severity in lung disease, and to objectively monitor the progression of disease or the response to therapies. Therefore, it is important to have standard methods of performing and interpreting this test.This is a prospective study, collecting data from subjects at different simulated altitudes. The study hypothesis is that increasing altitude will increase the DLCOsb in a predictable manner that will allow for mathematical corrections to be applied for uniform interpretation in pulmonary labs at differing altitudes.

Who can participate

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Ages 20- 80 years
  • Subjects must be either healthy or have been diagnosed with COPD

Exclusion criteria

  • Anemia (hemoglobin < 10.0 g/dL)
  • Carboxyhemoglobin > 3%
  • Active smoking
  • Heart disease or heart failure
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • COPD exacerbation
  • Pneumothroax within 6 months
  • Bullous emphysema on chest imaging (Chest X-ray or CT)
  • Supplemental oxygen use
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Alcohol dependence
  • Non-English speaking

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Effect of altitude on measured diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide

    Time frame: 3 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Comparison of a novel inert gas technique for measuring alveolar volume with body plethysmography

    Time frame: 4 months

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Intermountain Health Care, Inc.

Other

Collaborators

  • University of Utah

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Altitude on Single-Breath Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide in Normal Subjects and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Acronym: DLCO

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2019
First posted
Aug 1, 2017
Registry last updated
Feb 12, 2020

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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