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Inhaled Treprostinil for Dyspnea and Exercise Intolerance in Mild COPD

Phase 2
Not yet recruiting
Conditions
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Interventions
Drug: Placebo
Combination Product: Treprostinil Inhalation Solution 36 mcg
Combination Product: Treprostinil Inhalation Solution 78 mcg
Registration Number
NCT06969573
Lead Sponsor
University of Alberta
Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the impact of inhaled Treprostinil on breathlessness and low exercise capacity in patients living with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Participants will be asked to:

* Perform lung function and exercise tests

* Have ultrasound of their heart

* Have CT images of their lungs

* Visit the lab on 5 different occasions (plus one visit to the CT imaging clinic)

The researchers will compare the effectiveness and feasibility of inhaled Treprostinil to improve breathlessness upon exertion and exercise capacity

Detailed Description

The study consists of 6 visits (5 to the Clinical Sciences Building at the University of Alberta):

Day 1: participants will provide informed consent, medical history and health screening (Physical activity readiness questionnaire \[PAR-Q+\], COPD assessment test \[CAT\], modified medical research council \[mMRC\], euro quality of life- 5 dimensions \[EQ-5D\]), be familiarized to the laboratory and experimental measurement protocols, conduct a pulmonary function test, and conduct an incremental CPET to determine peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak) on the cycle ergometer. Throughout exercise, non-invasive measurements of cardiac output (impedance cardiography), heart rate (electrocardiogram), expired gases (metabolic cart), and oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry) will be completed. A small blood sample will be collected via finger prick to measure hemoglobin (to correct DLCO - part of the pulmonary function test). Ratings of perceived breathing and leg discomfort (Borg scale), as well as dimensional descriptors of dyspnea scales will be recorded throughout the exercise test, and immediately upon exercise cessation.

Days 2-4: participants will complete resting, seated, DLCO maneuvers as well as a constant workload (75% of the peak power output determined from the CPET) cycling exercise test until volitional fatigue (i.e., exhaustion) with or without inhaled Treprostinil (placebo, 36, or 78 mcg; via Tyvaso® Inhalation Solution). DLCO and its components will be evaluated by standardized multiple breath-hold technique. A small blood sample will be collected via finger prick to measure hemoglobin for the DLCO maneuvers prior to and following exercise. Throughout exercise, non-invasive measurements of cardiac output (impedance cardiography), heart rate (electrocardiogram), expired gases (metabolic cart), and oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry) will be completed. Additionally, ratings of perceived breathing and leg discomfort (Borg scale), as well as dimensional descriptors of dyspnea scales will be recorded throughout the exercise test, and immediately upon exercise cessation. The drug condition (placebo, 36, or 78 mcg) will be randomized (block randomization) by a member of our research team who is not involved in data analysis or collection.

Day 5: participants will complete supine DLCO maneuvers (multiple breath-hold technique) as well as resting echocardiography (to measure pulmonary artery and cardiac function) with and without inhaled Treprostinil (placebo, 36, and 78 mcg). A small blood sample will be collected via finger prick to measure hemoglobin for the DLCO maneuvers.

Day 6: participants will undergo a low contrast CT scan of their chest for quantification of pulmonary vascular volumes (i.e., blood vessel volume in the lungs). No drug intervention will be completed on Day 6.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • Patients with mild COPD (defined as having a postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio <0.70 and FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted
Exclusion Criteria
  • Pre-existing heart failure and pulmonary artery hypertension.
  • Known thrombocytopenia.
  • Resting blood pressure of <90mmHg systolic and <50 mmHg diastolic.
  • Known sensitivity to prostanoids
  • Severe hepatic insufficiency

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
PlaceboPlaceboParticipants will inhale placebo (room air) from the Tyvaso Inhalation System Ultrasonic nebulizer
Treprostinil 36 mcgTreprostinil Inhalation Solution 36 mcgParticipants will inhale 36 mcg of Treprostinil from the Tyvaso Inhalation System Ultrasonic nebulizer
Treprostinil 78 mcgTreprostinil Inhalation Solution 78 mcgParticipants will inhale 78 mcg of Treprostinil from the Tyvaso Inhalation System Ultrasonic nebulizer
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Exercise toleranceWithin 30-45 minutes post dose

Time to symptom limitation/exhaustion during a constant work rate test.

Exertional dyspneaWithin 30-45 minutes post dose

Maximal perceived breathing discomfort during exercise

Ventilatory efficiencyWithin 30-45 minutes post dose

Nadir value of the ratio between ventilation and the rate of CO2 production (Ve/VCO2 nadir)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Lung diffusing capacityWithin 15-30 minutes post dose

Lung diffusing capacity (DLCO) will be measured using six-second, advanced DLCO techniques.

Pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc)Within 15-30 minutes post dose

Pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc) will be measured using six-second, advanced DLCO techniques.

Diffusing membrane Capacity (Dm)Within 15-30 minutes post dose

Diffusing membrane capacity will be measured using six-second, advanced DLCO techniques.

Cardiac structure and functionWithin 15-30 minutes post dose

echocardiography-derived right ventricular systolic pressure

Pulmonary vascular volumesDay 6

Chest computed tomography (CT) scan

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Clinical Physiology Laboratory

🇨🇦

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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