RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Effects of Pulmonary Diseases and Their Treatment on Cardiac Function

This study investigates how common lung conditions such as COPD, asthma, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring) might affect your heart, particularly the left side. While we know lung problems can impact the right side of the heart, less is understood about the left. Researchers believe that inflammation from lung diseases can affect other parts of the body, including the heart. The study will use detailed heart scans (called cardiac MRI) to get clear pictures of how the heart is working, its size, and any signs of damage. They will look at these things when lung disease is first diagnosed and again after 3-6 months of standard treatment. The goal is to better understand these connections and help doctors improve care for people with lung conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Ayham Daher

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 Jun 2022

Estimated completion

14 Dec 2026

COPD Bronchial Asthma Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

What is this study about?

You might wonder why a study about lung disease would focus on the heart. Well, even though doctors have known for a long time that lung problems can affect the right side of your heart, there's actually still a lot we don't understand about how these conditions might impact the left side of your heart. Recent research suggests that chronic lung diseases, like COPD (or 'smoker's lung'), asthma, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (a type of lung scarring), can cause widespread inflammation in the body, which might affect other organs, including your heart. We also suspect that some treatments for lung conditions could have an effect on your heart too.

This study aims to get a clearer picture of these links. We'll be using a very detailed and safe type of scan called a cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Think of it as a super-advanced camera that can take very clear pictures of your heart, showing exactly how it's pumping, its size, and whether there are any subtle signs of stress or damage to the heart muscle. Very few studies have used this excellent tool to look at heart health in people with lung conditions, so this research is really important.

The main goal is to understand how your heart is functioning if you have one of these lung diseases. We'll also be looking at how standard treatments for your lung condition might influence your heart over time. By doing this, we hope to identify early signs of heart changes and ultimately help doctors provide better, more integrated care for people living with these common long-term lung conditions.

Key takeaways

This study explores how common lung diseases affect the heart.
It uses detailed heart scans (cardiac MRI) to get clear pictures.
Researchers will check heart health at diagnosis and after lung treatment.
It aims to better understand these health connections for improved patient care.
Participation involves a couple of visits over 3-6 months for scans and assessments.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and have one of the following long-term lung conditions that requires treatment: COPD, asthma, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring). You'll also need to be able to fully understand what the study involves and agree to take part by signing a consent form.

Certain people won't be able to join. This includes anyone who can't safely have an MRI scan, for example, if you have a pacemaker or get severe claustrophobia. You also can't take part if you have very poor kidney function or are allergic to the special dye sometimes used in MRI scans.

Additionally, if you have certain types of irregular heartbeats that would interfere with the MRI, you wouldn't be able to participate. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are also not eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently been diagnosed with COPD, asthma, or lung scarring (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis)?
Are you able to understand the study and give your consent to take part?
Do you have any metal implants (like a pacemaker) or severe claustrophobia that would prevent an MRI scan?
Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would have a few visits that involve tests related to your heart and lung health. Initially, a detailed heart scan called a cardiac MRI would be performed to get a picture of your heart's function and structure. We would also assess the blood vessels in your lungs using the same MRI.

Alongside the MRI, you would have an ultrasound scan of your heart (called an echocardiogram) and standard tests to measure how well your lungs are working. This initial assessment would happen when your lung condition is first diagnosed and before you start standard treatment for it. Then, 3 to 6 months after you begin your regular lung treatment, you would have a follow-up visit where the cardiac MRI and echocardiogram would be repeated to see any changes. The total duration of your active participation would be about 3 to 6 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. While you might not directly benefit from participating, the information gathered will help doctors better understand the link between lung and heart conditions, potentially leading to improved care for others in the future. The main risks involve the MRI scan itself, such as potential discomfort if you dislike enclosed spaces, or very rare allergic reactions to the contrast dye if used. All procedures are carefully explained, and your safety is a priority. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital RWTH Aachen
Verified postcode
Aachen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a cardiac MRI?

A cardiac MRI is a special type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your heart without using X-rays. It helps doctors see how your heart pumps, its size, and if there are any signs of damage.

Why are you studying lung disease and the heart together?

We know that lung diseases can affect the body in many ways. We're trying to understand more about how they might impact the left side of your heart, as this area is less studied, and whether treatments for your lungs also help your heart.

Will my lung treatment change if I join the study?

No, you will receive the standard, guideline-based treatment for your lung condition as recommended by your doctor. The study is observing the effects of this standard treatment.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you join, your active involvement would typically last between 3 to 6 months, which includes your initial scans and a follow-up set of scans after you start your lung treatment.

Is the MRI safe?

Yes, MRI scans are generally very safe and don't involve radiation. However, there are some reasons why certain people can't have an MRI, like having a pacemaker, and these will be carefully checked before you participate.

How to find out more

Ayham Daher, M.D.

adaher@ukaachen.de +492418088763 Official trial record

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