Biomarkers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is characterized by fixed airflow obstruction. The cornerstone of the disease is chronic inflammation leading to narrowing of the small airways and thus impairment of lung function. Compared to spirometry, the single breath N2-washout-test is more sensitive to identify the regional heterogeneity of bronchial airflow obstruction in the small airways. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether there is a correlation between the sbN2-test, markers in exhaled air and the inflammatory cells in the small airways.
Breathing and Bones Initiative
OsteoporosisObstructive Lung DiseaseThis project will examine the current diagnosis and treatment of bone health in patients with obstructive airway disease. Patients will be referred to The Osteoporosis Centre of BC (OCBC) by their respirologist to be assessed for osteoporosis including Dual Energy Xray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Previous chest xrays and will be accessed and examined for vertebral fractures, diagnostic of osteoporosis. The lung and bone data will be entered into a database. This will allow us to explore the relationship of lung disease parameters to osteoporosis predictors, eventually determining a respirology patient population who are at high risk of fracture. Longitudinal evaluation of bone health and its relationship to respiratory parameters over time will be explored by follow-up evaluations at 12 and 24 months.
Distress and Quality of Life During the Diagnostic Phase of a Suspected Serious Lung Disease
Suspected Lung CancerThe purpose of this study is to gain insight in the distress experience and quality of life of patients suspected of having a serious lung disease during the diagnostic phase and the period between diagnosis and start of treatment
Modifying Exercise for the COPD Patient
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseArthritis1 moreThis study will test whether using the Biodex BioStep Semi Recumbent Elliptical for the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient with arthritic limitations will improve participation in a pulmonary rehab program compared to the Nustep elliptical. The main outcome of participation will be measured by the number of exercise sessions the patient is able to complete during their pulmonary rehabilitation program. In addition, distance walked in six minutes, dyspnea score, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) score, Pain Scale Index score, and finally, the Dartmouth Quality of Life index (DQL) will be assessed in both groups. It is believed that the new machine will provide better overall outcomes compared to the traditional machine.
Reliability of Different FOT Devices to Measure the Human Respiratory Impedance
Pulmonary DiseaseHealthyThe objective of the study is to evaluate the reliability of the impedance data in adult subjects measured with five different FOT devices.
Role of Fibrocytes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequent airway disease characterized by both bronchial inflammation and remodelling. Bronchial mucosa is infiltrated by macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes. In addition, the number of eosinophils can be also increased during exacerbation. Airway remodelling is an abnormal tissue repair following bronchial inflammation, which contributes to none reversible pathological features, such as bronchial and peri-bronchial fibrosis. It also influences the prognosis of COPD and its mechanisms remain largely unknown. The role of fibrocytes has been demonstrated in the pathophysiology of asthma, lung fibrosis or pulmonary hypertension. However, the recruitment of blood fibrocytes and their involvement in COPD airway remodelling remain unknown.
Clinical Safety for the Inspiratory Muscle Training
Heart DiseasesLung DiseaseThe aim of this study is evaluate the clinical, hemodynamic and electrocardiographic responses during an inspiratory muscle training session during a single cardiopulmonary rehabilitation session program. An electrocardiogram will be continuously recorded and the heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) will be evaluated before, during and immediately after a single inspiratory muscle training (IMT) session, consisting of two series of 15 cycles, with one-minute intervals between sets and an initial load of at least 30% of the initial maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP).
Late Sequelae of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Lung DiseasesBronchopulmonary DysplasiaTo measure the cardiopulmonary function in individuals who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at Stanford University Medical Center from 1964-1973 and to determine the factors associated with the presence of cardiopulmonary function abnormalities in these adolescents and young adults.
Epidemiology and Pulmonary Response To Organic Dust Exposure
Lung DiseasesObstructive1 moreTo characterize the nature of pulmonary responses to organic dust exposures in order to gain insight into patterns of respiratory disease in agricultural workers.
Antecedents of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Lung DiseasesBronchopulmonary DysplasiaTo identify risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic pulmonary disease of prematurity and to estimate proportions of this group of disorders attributable to antenatal risk factors, perinatal events, and neonatal care procedures.