View clinical trials related to Emphysema.
Filter by:The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms whereby specific white cells called macrophages found in the lung release inflammatory mediators or chemicals together with enzymes that destroy the surrounding lung tissue. The hypothesis is that in diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung macrophages release either more or different types of inflammatory mediators and/or destructive enzymes compared to subjects without COPD. We will isolate macrophages from small pieces of lung parenchyma. These samples are derived from lobes resected for carcinoma of the lung. We would aim to examine the responses of tissue derived macrophages in three groups of subjects, namely (i) non-smoking controls (lung carcinoma as secondary metastasis), (ii) smokers without clinical or histological signs of COPD and (iii) smokers with COPD. The resected lung tissue will be cut into small pieces and washed in order to release the macrophages from the tissue. The macrophages will then be isolated from other cell types in the washings. We will then use these isolated cells in vitro to examine the cell surface receptors in order to compare these macrophage cells with macrophages reported from bronchoalveolar lavage and monocyte derived macrophage models. We will then examine inflammatory mediator synthesis and release following stimulation of these cells. We will also examine the regulation and release of enzymes known to damage lung tissue. Using these two models we will then examine the signal transduction pathways that lead to this activation of the macrophages and investigate the effects of novel therapeutic agents to inhibit inflammatory mediator and/or enzyme synthesis and release. The objective is to identify the mechanisms whereby macrophages respond to pro-inflammatory conditions seen in COPD with a view to identify novel targets for drug therapy.
The Spiration Intra-Bronchial Valve is intended for use as a minimally invasive treatment for severe emphysema, using standard bronchoscopy. The valve is designed to limit airflow to a selected portion of the lung, producing a reduction in lung volume, which may improve pulmonary function in patients with emphysema.
The purpose of the VENT Cost-Effectiveness Sub-Study is to gather healthcare utilization and quality of life information on patients enrolled in the VENT study in order to analyze the relative cost-effectiveness of the endobronchial valve implant procedure.
The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of the Emphasys Endobronchial Valve (EBV) and procedure (with pulmonary rehabilitation) compared to optimal medical management (with pulmonary rehabilitation) in patients with heterogeneous emphysema.
At present, a specific community based rehabilitation programme for lung or heart-lung transplant recipients does not exist. 160 hospitals throughout the United Kingdom (UK) offer pulmonary rehabilitation programmes. The programmes operate under evidence-based guidelines as outlined by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Increasing evidence shows that rehabilitation programmes help improve performance, exercise endurance, and quality of life; and reduce symptoms and demand on health-care resources. This study proposes to compare the outcomes of lung and heart-lung transplant patients attending local pulmonary rehabilitation against others receiving the Trust's current document-based programme. The study is a randomized controlled trial: - Control Arm: Those patients randomized to the 'control' arm will receive the Trust's standard rehabilitation programme that consists of an information pack supplied upon discharge. They will then complete and undertake the following tests: Short-Form 36 (SF 36; version 2) Questionnaire, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ-SR), Incremental Shuttle Walk Test and Spirometry forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The patient will follow the information contained in the information pack and the above tests and questionnaires will be repeated 6 months post discharge. - Experimental Arm: A patient who is randomized to the 'experimental' arm will be asked to complete the following tests upon discharge: Short-Form 36 (SF 36; version 2) Questionnaire, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ-SR), Incremental Shuttle Walk Test and Spirometry FEV1 and FVC. Three months post discharge, the patient will be enrolled into a local pulmonary rehabilitation programme. The programme is typically structured to last 6-12 weeks. The above tests and questionnaires will be repeated 6 months post discharge. To measure the effectiveness of either the information pack or the rehabilitation programme the following endpoints will be subjected to analysis in both the experimental and the control group: - Short-Form 36 Questionnaire; - Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire; - Incremental Shuttle Walk Test; - Borg Scale; - Spirometry FEV1 and FVC; - Hospital re-admission rates and mortality rates. The undertaking of a multidisciplinary-led programme of rehabilitation facilitates a better quality of life than a document-based rehabilitation programme in lung and or heart-lung transplant out-patients. The aim of the study is to construct an optimal programme of rehabilitation in lung or heart-lung patients.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of exercise treatment combined with breathing retraining (a computerized feedback program), with exercise treatment combined with heliox (a helium and oxygen combination), with exercise only in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This was an 8-week intervention study.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate a multifaceted intervention to improve the quality of end-of-life communication between patients with COPD and their primary care providers using information about patients preferences for end of life care and how to communicate and use this information to activate patients, family members, and healthcare providers.
The purpose of this study is to determine if sildenafil improves the exercise capacity and lung function of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the Aeris Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR) System is safe in patients with advanced emphysema.
The purpose of this study is to determine the long-term safety of arformoterol over a period of 12 months in subjects with COPD