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The Effect of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Dyspnea and Exercise Tolerance in Interstitial Lung Disease. (iNO)

Primary Purpose

Dyspnea

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phase
Phase 1
Locations
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Nitric Oxide
Placebo
Sponsored by
University of Alberta
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Dyspnea

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - 85 Years (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  • ILD participants free of any significant cardiovascular, metabolic or neuromuscular disease. Specific criteria are:
  • Established physician diagnosis of ILD
  • Forced vital capacity 50-80 % predicted
  • Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide 35-60 % predicted
  • Able to complete a 6-minute walk test
  • Participants will range from 18-85 years old.
  • There are no restrictions on pulmonary medications, however, participants will be asked to withdraw from long-acting beta agonists 48 hours prior to trials.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Participants with current or previous history of myocardial infarction or angina pectoris will be excluded.
  • Participants with a lowest arterial oxygen saturation < 84% during the initial CPET (day 1) on room air will be excluded.
  • Patient receiving treatment for isosorbide mononitrate or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) medications will be excluded.

Sites / Locations

    Arms of the Study

    Arm 1

    Arm 2

    Arm Type

    Experimental

    Placebo Comparator

    Arm Label

    Nitric Oxide

    Placebo

    Arm Description

    Inhaled nitric oxide, which consists of breathing medical grade air (21% O2) with 40 parts per million of nitric oxide.

    Inhaled placebo, which consists of breathing medical grade air (21% O2).

    Outcomes

    Primary Outcome Measures

    Exercise capacity
    Exercise capacity as determined by peak power output and oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak).

    Secondary Outcome Measures

    Ventilation
    Ventilatory responses during exercise (i.e. V̇E/V̇CO2)
    Perceived breathing discomfort (Modified Borg 0-10 categorical ratio scale)
    Perceived breathing discomfort during exercise, also termed exertional dyspnea. Participants will rate their perceived breathing discomfort on a modified Borg categorical ratio scale (0-10). 0 indicates no breathing discomfort and 10 indicates maximal breathing discomfort.
    Pulmonary vascular function
    Pulmonary artery systolic pressure at rest

    Full Information

    First Posted
    November 21, 2019
    Last Updated
    July 27, 2023
    Sponsor
    University of Alberta
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    1. Study Identification

    Unique Protocol Identification Number
    NCT04181359
    Brief Title
    The Effect of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Dyspnea and Exercise Tolerance in Interstitial Lung Disease.
    Acronym
    iNO
    Official Title
    The Effect of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Dyspnea and Exercise Tolerance in Interstitial Lung Disease.
    Study Type
    Interventional

    2. Study Status

    Record Verification Date
    July 2023
    Overall Recruitment Status
    Not yet recruiting
    Study Start Date
    January 2024 (Anticipated)
    Primary Completion Date
    December 1, 2025 (Anticipated)
    Study Completion Date
    June 1, 2026 (Anticipated)

    3. Sponsor/Collaborators

    Responsible Party, by Official Title
    Sponsor
    Name of the Sponsor
    University of Alberta

    4. Oversight

    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
    No
    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
    No
    Data Monitoring Committee
    No

    5. Study Description

    Brief Summary
    Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a is a lung disorder which makes breathing more difficult. During exercise, patients with ILD are not efficient breathers and this leads to serious breathing difficulties, which often causes these patients to stop exercise at low intensities. The investigators think that these patients with ILD have problems exchanging fresh gas (i.e., oxygen) into the blood stream because of poor lung blood vessel function. The investigators will test whether inhaled medications, specifically nitric oxide, can improve lung blood vessel function and decrease breathing difficulties during exercise. With this research, the investigators will understand more about breathing efficiency and lung blood vessel function in mild ILD patients, and find out whether improving lung blood vessel function helps ILD patients breathe easier and exercise longer. Understanding the reasons behind the feeling of difficult breathing may lead to more effective therapy and improved quality of life in ILD patients.
    Detailed Description
    BACKGROUND Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a respiratory disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the lung parenchyma. Exertional dyspnea (perceived breathlessness) is a hallmark of ILD regardless of severity and is the primary reason for the observed exercise intolerance, typically observed in this population. Dyspnea in ILD has been shown to profoundly reduce quality of life, physical activity, and impair the ability of participants with ILD to complete day-to-day tasks. Previous work in ILD has demonstrated that exertional dyspnea is the result of increased work of breathing during exercise, and that this increased work of breathing comes from: 1) an exaggerated ventilatory response to exercise (i.e. increased minute ventilation relative to carbon dioxide production, V̇E/V̇CO2), and 2) airflow limitation (i.e. expiratory flow limitation and resulting dynamic hyperinflation). A growing body of work has focused on respiratory mechanics in ILD; however, very little has been done to understand and treat the exaggerated ventilatory response to exercise in ILD. Several previous studies in ILD have consistently shown an elevated ventilatory response (i.e. greater V̇E/V̇CO2) during exercise. This increased V̇E/V̇CO2 in ILD appears to be secondary to increased deadspace ventilation (i.e. sections of the lung with ventilation, but no perfusion), and this increased deadspace ventilation results in a compensatory increase in total minute ventilation (i.e. increased V̇E/V̇CO2) to maintain effective alveolar ventilation and arterial blood gas homeostasis. The underlying mechanism(s) for the increased deadspace ventilation and V̇E/V̇CO2 during exercise in mild ILD is currently unclear; however, pulmonary microvascular abnormalities and hypoperfusion of pulmonary capillaries are potential pathophysiologic mechanisms. Individuals with ILD have a reduced pulmonary capillary blood volume and, in more severe ILD, present with pulmonary vascular dysfunction and are prone to developing exercise-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is likely that the pulmonary vascular dysfunction, in ILD, may impair pulmonary capillary perfusion, leading to ventilation (V̇A) -perfusion (Q̇) inequality (specifically, areas of high, V̇A/Q̇, which is indicative of increased deadspace), however this has not yet been examined. Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) is commonly used to test for pulmonary vasodilatory responses in individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), as it increases NO bioavailability and improves pulmonary vascular function. Previous work in PAH and heart failure (HF) has shown that standard doses (20-40 parts per million (ppm)) of inhaled NO can reduce pulmonary vascular resistance and increase peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak). If inhaled NO can reduce vascular dysfunction and increase perfusion in ILD, this would result in a reduction in V̇E/V̇CO2 and dyspnea, and improved exercise tolerance. STUDY PURPOSE Purpose: To examine the effect of inhaled NO on exercise capacity (V̇O2peak), ventilation and dyspnea in ILD. Hypothesis: Inhaled NO will improve exercise capacity, secondary to reduced V̇E/V̇CO2 and dyspnea, in individuals with ILD. Study Design: Randomized double-blind cross-over design. Study Protocol: Six sessions will be completed over a 3-week period in the following order: Day 1) Participant enrollment, medical history, standard pulmonary function (PFT) and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Days 2 & 3) Randomly-ordered experimental CPETs while either breathing room air or inhaled nitric oxide (room air with 40 ppm NO). Days 4 & 5) Randomly-ordered constant load exercise tests, at 75% peak power output, while either breathing room air or inhaled nitric oxide (room air with 40 ppm NO). Day 6) Resting and exercise trials while breathing room air or inhaled nitric oxide with ultrasonography doppler measurements to determine pulmonary arterial systolic pressure. Each visit will take approximately 3 hours. On Day 1, participants will complete the informed consent procedure, fill out a medical history questionnaire and be screened for exercise using the physical activity readiness questionnaire. Study participants will undergo lung function and cardiopulmonary exercise testing on the same day. The participants will be spending approximately three hours in the laboratory on this testing day. On days 2 & 3 (one day per week in 2 consecutive weeks; order randomized), the participants will breathe the placebo, which is medical grade air (room air) or room air titrated with 40 parts per million of nitric oxide and have blood flow/cardiac output and expired gas evaluated, and time to exhaustion determined in a standard incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test. On day 2, the participant will lie supine and be rested for 5 minutes. Resting blood pressure will be determined using manual auscultation. Resting cardiac output will be evaluated using noninvasive impedance cardiography (PhysioflowTM) and oxygen saturation estimated with pulse oximetry. Ventilation will be measured from expired gas analysis. Following these measurements, the subject will begin to breathe medical grade room air. Following a 20 minute wash-in period, ventilation, cardiac output and oxygen saturation recordings will be repeated. Participants will then perform a standard cardiopulmonary exercise test while continuing to breathe the medical grade room air. The participants will be spending approximately three hours in the laboratory on this testing day. Day 3 will be identical to day 2 except, in the place of medical grade room air, participants will breathe room air with 40 parts per million of nitric oxide. On days 4 & 5 (one day per week in 2 consecutive weeks; order randomized), the participants will breathe the placebo, which is medical grade air (room air) or room air titrated with 40 parts per million of nitric oxide and have blood flow/cardiac output and expired gas evaluated, and time to exhaustion determined in a standard constant work rate cardiopulmonary exercise test. Measurement procedures will be identical to days 2 & 3. On day 6, the participants will complete resting and sub-maximal exercise trials while breathing placebo or iNO, with ultrasonography Doppler measurements to determine pulmonary arterial systolic pressure. The participant will lie supine and be rested for 5 minutes. Resting blood pressure will be determined using manual auscultation and pulmonary arterial pressure by echocardiography. Resting cardiac output will be evaluated using impedance cardiography (PhysioflowTM) and oxygen saturation estimated with pulse oximetry. Ventilation will be measured from expired gas analysis. Following these measurements, the subject will begin to breathe either placebo or iNO. Upon completion of resting measurements, participants will complete 5-minutes of sub-maximal exercise at 40 Watts in each experimental conditions. All resting measurements will be repeated during exercise. At least 10-minute recover will be given between conditions to ensure washout of NO and restoration of baseline oxygen saturation. Intervention Inhaled Nitric Oxide Intervention: Inhaled NO is a selective pulmonary vasodilator and has been shown to improve blood flow to well-ventilated lung areas (i.e. improve V̇A/Q̇ matching) in conditions with elevated vascular tone. Inhaled NO has been previously shown to lower pulmonary artery pressure during exercise in individuals with severe lung disease, while not affecting systemic blood pressure. It is important to note that a selective pulmonary vasodilator will be used instead of an intravenously infused vasodilator (e.g. prostacyclin) to avoid systemic vasodilation, severe arterial hypotension and syncope. Consistent with previous work, a standard 40 ppm dose of inhaled NO will be administered using a non-rebreathing circuit. Statistical analysis and Interpretation: A 2-way repeated measures ANOVA will be used to evaluate the changes in V̇E/V̇CO2, dyspnea and exercise capacity (V̇O2peak) with inhaled NO during exercise. Type of intervention (room air vs inhaled NO), and time-point (baseline and during exercise) will be used as fixed factors in the statistical analysis. Should inhaled NO reduce V̇E/V̇CO2 and dyspnea, and improve exercise capacity in ILD, these results would indicate that pulmonary vascular dysfunction contributes to exercise intolerance as well as the potentiated ventilatory and dyspnea response to exercise in participants with ILD.

    6. Conditions and Keywords

    Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
    Dyspnea

    7. Study Design

    Primary Purpose
    Treatment
    Study Phase
    Phase 1, Phase 2
    Interventional Study Model
    Crossover Assignment
    Masking
    Participant
    Allocation
    Randomized
    Enrollment
    40 (Anticipated)

    8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

    Arm Title
    Nitric Oxide
    Arm Type
    Experimental
    Arm Description
    Inhaled nitric oxide, which consists of breathing medical grade air (21% O2) with 40 parts per million of nitric oxide.
    Arm Title
    Placebo
    Arm Type
    Placebo Comparator
    Arm Description
    Inhaled placebo, which consists of breathing medical grade air (21% O2).
    Intervention Type
    Drug
    Intervention Name(s)
    Nitric Oxide
    Other Intervention Name(s)
    iNO
    Intervention Description
    Inhaled nitric oxide, which consists of breathing medical grade air (21% O2) with 40 parts per million of nitric oxide.
    Intervention Type
    Drug
    Intervention Name(s)
    Placebo
    Intervention Description
    Inhaled placebo, which consists of breathing medical grade air (21% O2).
    Primary Outcome Measure Information:
    Title
    Exercise capacity
    Description
    Exercise capacity as determined by peak power output and oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak).
    Time Frame
    Within 20-25 minutes post-dose
    Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
    Title
    Ventilation
    Description
    Ventilatory responses during exercise (i.e. V̇E/V̇CO2)
    Time Frame
    Within 20-25 minutes post-dose
    Title
    Perceived breathing discomfort (Modified Borg 0-10 categorical ratio scale)
    Description
    Perceived breathing discomfort during exercise, also termed exertional dyspnea. Participants will rate their perceived breathing discomfort on a modified Borg categorical ratio scale (0-10). 0 indicates no breathing discomfort and 10 indicates maximal breathing discomfort.
    Time Frame
    Within 20-25 minutes post-dose
    Title
    Pulmonary vascular function
    Description
    Pulmonary artery systolic pressure at rest
    Time Frame
    Within 5 minutes post-dose

    10. Eligibility

    Sex
    All
    Minimum Age & Unit of Time
    18 Years
    Maximum Age & Unit of Time
    85 Years
    Accepts Healthy Volunteers
    No
    Eligibility Criteria
    Inclusion Criteria: ILD participants free of any significant cardiovascular, metabolic or neuromuscular disease. Specific criteria are: Established physician diagnosis of ILD Forced vital capacity 50-80 % predicted Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide 35-60 % predicted Able to complete a 6-minute walk test Participants will range from 18-85 years old. There are no restrictions on pulmonary medications, however, participants will be asked to withdraw from long-acting beta agonists 48 hours prior to trials. Exclusion Criteria: Participants with current or previous history of myocardial infarction or angina pectoris will be excluded. Participants with a lowest arterial oxygen saturation < 84% during the initial CPET (day 1) on room air will be excluded. Patient receiving treatment for isosorbide mononitrate or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) medications will be excluded.
    Central Contact Person:
    First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
    Des Fuhr, MSc
    Phone
    780-492-8027
    Email
    fuhr@ualberta.ca
    Overall Study Officials:
    First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
    Giovanni Ferrara, MD
    Organizational Affiliation
    University of Alberta
    Official's Role
    Principal Investigator
    First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
    Michael Stickland, PhD
    Organizational Affiliation
    University of Alberta
    Official's Role
    Study Director

    12. IPD Sharing Statement

    Plan to Share IPD
    No

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    The Effect of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Dyspnea and Exercise Tolerance in Interstitial Lung Disease.

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