RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Exploring How Viral Infections Affect People With Chronic Lung Disease

Many people with long-term lung conditions, such as COPD and bronchiectasis, experience sudden worsenings of their symptoms, known as flare-ups. While we used to think these were mainly caused by bacteria, new information suggests viruses might play a big part. This study aims to understand exactly how viruses trigger these flare-ups and how the immune system (your body's defence) reacts. We're asking volunteers with chronic lung disease to provide samples when they're feeling well and also when they have a flare-up over a period of up to two years. This will help us learn more about the immune system and the role of viruses, which could lead to better ways to prevent and treat these flare-ups in the future, particularly as we worry more about antibiotics losing their effect.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

180

Start

01 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Bronchiectasis Adult Bronchiectasis With Acute Exacerbation COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)Respiratory Infection Virus

What is this study about?

If you live with a long-term lung condition like COPD or bronchiectasis, you'll know that sudden flare-ups, where your symptoms get much worse, can be a real challenge. These flare-ups can significantly impact your daily life and overall health. Historically, it was widely believed that bacteria were the main culprits behind these episodes. However, more recent observations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people with lung conditions experienced fewer flare-ups due to isolation, suggest that viruses might be much more important than we previously thought.

This study is designed to explore this idea in more detail. Researchers want to understand exactly how viruses trigger these flare-ups and what happens to your immune system, your body's natural defence, when a virus is involved. By gathering samples from volunteers both when they are feeling well and when they experience a flare-up, the team hopes to build a clearer picture. This research is incredibly important because if we can better understand the role of viruses, it could lead to new ways to treat flare-ups, potentially using antiviral medicines, and help reduce our reliance on antibiotics, which is a growing concern due to antibiotic resistance.

Ultimately, the goal is to improve the lives of people with long-term lung conditions by developing more effective and targeted treatments for these troublesome flare-ups. This study will help us get closer to that goal by providing valuable insights into the causes and how our bodies respond.

Key takeaways

Study aims to understand viral triggers for lung condition flare-ups.
Looking for adults with COPD or bronchiectasis who've had past flare-ups.
Will involve collecting samples at home and clinic visits over two years.
Findings could lead to better, more targeted treatments and reduce antibiotic use.
Participation is voluntary and won't affect your current medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and have received a clear diagnosis from your doctor of a long-term lung condition, such as COPD or bronchiectasis. You also need to have experienced a flare-up in the past year that required treatment with antibiotics or steroids.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you can't keep a daily diary of your symptoms or if it's difficult for you to attend occasional hospital visits. You also cannot join if you've had a flare-up less than four weeks before trying to join the study, or if your health isn't stable at the time of recruitment. Finally, if you are pregnant, you would not be able to participate.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a doctor's confirmed diagnosis of a long-term lung condition like COPD or bronchiectasis?
Have you had a flare-up in the last year that needed antibiotics or steroids?
Are you able to keep a daily diary of your symptoms?
Are you able to attend occasional clinic visits?
Are you currently not pregnant?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you choose to take part, you'll be followed by the research team for up to two years. When you're well, you'll give some initial samples. Then, whenever you start to feel unwell with symptoms of a flare-up, you'll be asked to collect some samples yourself at home – this will include nose swabs, a small finger-prick blood test, and a sample of any phlegm you might have. You'll then post these samples to the researchers.

Shortly after sending in these home samples during a flare-up, you'll need to visit the study clinic. During this visit, the research team will collect some additional samples, such as further blood tests and swabs, and check your symptoms and how you're doing. There are no specific medications provided by the study, and your regular doctor will manage your usual treatment. The total duration of your involvement will be up to two years.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that it helps advance our understanding of lung conditions, which could lead to better treatments for everyone in the future. You might also find comfort in contributing to medical research. The main risks involve the minor discomfort of sample collection, such as nose swabs, finger pricks, and blood tests. There's also the time commitment for collecting samples and attending clinic visits. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Royal Brompton Hospital
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of samples will I need to provide?

You'll provide nose swabs, finger-prick blood samples, phlegm samples (if you have any), and at clinic visits, more blood tests and swabs.

How often will I need to give samples?

You'll provide samples when well (at the start) and then whenever you experience a flare-up over the study period, which can last up to two years.

Do I need to visit a hospital or clinic?

Yes, you'll have an initial visit and then occasional follow-up visits to the clinic when you have a flare-up for more detailed checks and sample collection.

Will taking part affect my current medical treatment?

No, this study will not interfere with your regular medical treatment, which will continue to be managed by your own doctor.

What happens to my samples after I provide them?

Your samples will be analysed by researchers to understand viruses and your immune system's response during flare-ups.

How to find out more

Patrick Senior

senior.patrick@gmail.com 004402075895111 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.