RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The London COPD Exacerbation Cohort

The London COPD exacerbation study is a long-term project that builds on research started back in 1995. Its main goal is to better understand 'flare-ups' (exacerbations) in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Researchers are looking at many different things, such as how severe a person's COPD is, the medicines they take, how they feel day-to-day, and even changes in their genes or the bugs in their airways. They also consider other health problems someone might have, like heart disease or diabetes. By looking at all these factors, the study hopes to find out why some people with COPD have flare-ups more often and how these flare-ups impact their health and the progress of their condition over many years.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

300

Start

01 Jan 2009

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

What is this study about?

This research, called 'The London COPD Exacerbation Cohort,' is all about a common lung condition known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD. Many people with COPD experience periods where their breathing suddenly gets much worse – these are often called 'flare-ups' or 'exacerbations.' These flare-ups can be very serious and have a big impact on a person's life and overall health.

Researchers want to understand why some people with COPD have more of these flare-ups than others. To do this, they are looking at many different things in detail. This includes checking how strong your lungs are, what medicines you're taking, and how you feel in general. They are also examining tiny details like markers in your blood, the genes in your body, and even the types of bacteria or viruses found in your airways. They'll also consider other health issues you might have, such as heart problems, diabetes, or even how stress and mood might play a role.

The main aim is to get a much clearer picture of what makes these flare-ups happen and how they affect the disease over time. By gathering all this information, the hope is to find better ways to predict, prevent, and treat these flare-ups, ultimately improving the lives of people living with COPD. This study uses information gathered over many years, starting with participants recruited as far back as 1995.

Key takeaways

A study looking to understand why people with COPD have flare-ups.
Aims to improve future care for COPD patients.
Focuses on collecting detailed health information over time.
Doesn't involve testing new medications.
People aged 40-100 with specific lung test results for COPD might be eligible.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult aged between 40 and 100 years old. A key requirement is that your lung test results show a specific pattern linked to COPD, meaning that when you breathe out forcefully, the amount of air you can push out in the first second compared to your total breath is less than 70%. It's also very important that you are able and willing to fully understand what the study involves and give your written permission to take part.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join the study. These include if you have a history of other specific lung conditions like asthma or bronchiectasis, or certain types of cancer. You also wouldn't be eligible if you are currently taking medicines that suppress your immune system or if you are on long-term steroid treatment. Lastly, patients under 40 years of age when the study started are not included.

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 between 40 and 100 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with COPD and your lung test results show a specific low number for how much air you can breathe out quickly?
Do you feel able to understand the study and agree to take part in writing?
Do you have a history of asthma, bronchiectasis, or certain cancers (these would make you ineligible)?
Are you currently on medicines that suppress your immune system or long-term steroid therapy (these would make you ineligible)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided does not fully describe what taking part involves. Generally, clinical studies may require multiple visits to a clinic or hospital for tests, physical examinations, and to provide samples (like blood or breathing samples). You might be asked to fill out questionnaires about your health and how you're feeling. There's no mention of new medications being given as part of this specific study. The study aims to look at how your condition changes over time, so it's likely to involve ongoing follow-up for a significant period. The total duration of your participation would be explained to you before you agree to join.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in research always has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that it might help improve understanding of COPD flare-ups, which could eventually lead to better care for people with COPD in the future. You might also gain a better understanding of your own condition through the assessments. However, there may be some inconveniences, like time spent at clinic visits or discomfort from procedures like blood tests. As with any research, you have the absolute right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'COPD exacerbation'?

It's when your breathing suddenly gets much worse than usual, often needing extra medicine or a hospital visit. We sometimes call them 'flare-ups'.

Will I be given new medicine in this study?

The information provided doesn't say you'll be given new drugs. This study seems more about understanding your condition rather than testing new treatments.

How long will I need to be involved?

This study aims to follow people over time, so it's likely to be ongoing for a period. The exact length would be explained to you if you are suitable to join.

What kind of tests will I have?

They might include lung function tests, blood tests, checks of your general health, and possibly looking at samples from your airways. You'd get full details before joining.

What if I change my mind after joining?

You are free to leave the study at any point, and it won't affect your regular medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Jadwiga A Wedzicha, MD

j.wedzicha@imperial.ac.uk 2075947947 Official trial record

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