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Chest CT Biomarkers as Prognostic Predictors in SSc-ILD

Not yet recruiting
Conditions
Systemic Sclerosis
Registration Number
NCT06472362
Lead Sponsor
Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
Brief Summary

The goal of this retrospective observational study is to investigate whether novel imaging biomarkers of airways, vessels, and overall extent of fibrosis at baseline predict ILD progression, vasculopathy development, and survival in SSc-ILD.

Detailed Description

Interstitial lung disease (ILD or lung fibrosis=stiffening of the lungs by scar tissue) develops in over half of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Whilst ILD remains stable in some patients, at least a third have progressively increasing fibrosis. There is a pressing need for accurate indicators that identify a) patients at higher risk of progression, needing immediate treatment to prevent further irreversible ILD; and b) patients at lower risk, not needing treatment.

In this study the prognostic potential and accuracy of machine-learning derived biomarkers to evaluate abnormalities that are difficult to quantify visually will be investigated. Whether novel high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging biomarkers of airways, vessels, and overall extent of fibrosis at baseline can predict ILD progression, vasculopathy development, and survival will be investigated in a cohort of approximately 1,000 SSc-ILD patients.

The algorithm scores will be evaluated against survival using Cox proportional hazards modelling, while mixed effects model analysis will be used to assess links with change in lung function: forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco), and carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (Kco). The airway algorithm measuring traction bronchiectasis (dilatation of the airways due to surrounding fibrosis) may predict worsening of FVC, reflective of ILD progression. The vessel algorithm may predict decline in KCO, a marker of pulmonary vascular involvement. Exploratory analyses evaluating change in HRCT fibrosis extent over time for patients with repeat HRCTs will also be performed, and whether composite outcomes of change in HRCT and lung function variables improve long term outcome prediction and pave the way to their use in clinical trials and routine clinical use. Patients with trivial changes on CT will also be included to assess for very early changes that could be predictive of future decline. These algorithms will be combined with the findings of our previous study, which suggest that a certain type of pattern on CT called UIP predicts shorter survival.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
1000
Inclusion Criteria
  • diagnosed with SSc
  • ≥18 years old
  • HRCT between 01/01/1990 and 31/12/2019
Exclusion Criteria
  • Patients who do not have SSc
  • <18 years old
  • lack of availability of HRCT imaging data

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pulmonary hypertension15 years

Development of pulmonary hypertension

Decline in KCO15 years

Change in lung function measure KCO

Decline in DLCO15 years

Change in lung function measure DLCO

Survival15 years

Transplant-free survival

Decline in FVC15 years

Change in lung function measure FVC

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (7)

Sassari University

🇮🇹

Sassari, Italy

Siena University Hospital

🇮🇹

Siena, Italy

Leeds Hospital/University of Leeds

🇬🇧

Leeds, United Kingdom

Hanover Medical School

🇩🇪

Hannover, Germany

Marche Polytechnic University

🇮🇹

Ancona, Italy

Bichat-Claude Bernard hospital

🇫🇷

Paris, France

Royal Brompton Hospital

🇬🇧

London, United Kingdom

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