Lung Diffusing Capacity for Nitric Oxide as a Marker of Fibrotic Changes in Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias — Dm&Vc  

Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia Clinical Trial

Official title: Lung Diffusing Capacity for Nitric Oxide as a Marker of Fibrotic Changes in Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The diagnosis of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) is based on computed tomography (CT) imaging, whereas lung function studies are used for staging and follow up. Lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is generally reduced but weakly correlated with the severity of CT-determined fibrotic process. A possible explanation of this finding is that DLCO is relatively insensitive to changes in alveolar membrane diffusive conductance (DMCO). Lung diffusion capacity for nitric oxide (DLNO) was strongly correlated with CT-determined amount of fibrosis/honeycombing in both usual and non-specific interstitial pneumonias. Moreover. Both DLNO and DMCO were below the lower limit of normality even in patients with small amount of fibrosis. Measurement of DLNO may provide a more reliable assessment of fibrotic changes than DLCO because it better reflects DMCO.

Clinical Trial Description

Rationale: Lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is decreased in both usual interstitial pneumonia-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (UIP-IPF) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), but is weakly related to computed tomography (CT)-determined fibrotic changes.

Objectives: To determine whether measurement of lung diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DLNO) better reflects fibrotic changes than DLCO.

Methods: DLNO and DLCO were measured simultaneously in 30 patients with UIP-IPF and 30 with NSIP. The amount of pulmonary fibrosis was estimated by volumetric analysis of visually bounded areas showing reticular opacities and honeycombing. Alveolar membrane conductance (DMCO) and pulmonary capillary volume (Vc) were calculated. ;

Study Design

Observational Model: Case-Only, Time Perspective: Retrospective

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic
• Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Lung Diseases, Interstitial
• Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Usual Interstitial Pneumonia

• NCT number: NCT02596841
• Study type: Observational
• Source: IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: February 2013
• Completion date: August 2015