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Clinical Registry for the Characterization of the 'Pulmonary Vascular Phenotype' in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This study is a registry, which means it collects and stores important medical information from people with a lung condition called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Specifically, it focuses on people who have also had a heart test known as a right heart catheterisation. This test helps doctors understand the pressure in the blood vessels that go from the heart to the lungs. The main goal is to learn more about how COPD affects these blood vessels and if patients also have high blood pressure in their lungs, known as pulmonary hypertension. By collecting this information, researchers hope to better understand how these conditions develop and how they might be treated in the future. The study includes adult patients aged 18 and over, with both men and women participating.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Medical University of Graz
Enrolment target
1,000
Start
01 Sep 2025
Estimated completion
31 Dec 2027

What is this study about?

This study is called a 'registry'. Think of a registry as a secure medical database where doctors and researchers collect important information from patients over time. In this case, the registry is focusing on people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, often shortened to COPD. COPD is a common lung condition that makes it hard to breathe, and it includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

The main purpose of this registry is to gather detailed information about how COPD affects the blood vessels in the lungs. Sometimes, people with COPD can also develop another condition called pulmonary hypertension, which means they have high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. This can make breathing even harder and put extra strain on the heart.

To understand this better, the registry collects information from COPD patients who have already had a specific heart test called a right heart catheterisation. This test gives doctors very precise measurements of the pressures and blood flow within the heart and lungs. By bringing all this information together, scientists hope to get a clearer picture of why some people with COPD develop pulmonary hypertension and how it affects their overall health. This understanding could eventually lead to better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions, helping people with COPD live healthier lives.

Key takeaways

  • This study collects existing medical information from COPD patients.
  • It focuses on understanding how COPD affects blood vessels in the lungs.
  • Data from a specific heart test (right heart catheterisation) is used.
  • The aim is to learn more about pulmonary hypertension in COPD.
  • Better understanding could lead to improved future treatments.

Who may be eligible?

To be included in this study, you must be an adult with a confirmed diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It's also important that you have already undergone a specific heart test called a right heart catheterisation. This test provides key measurements about the pressures inside your heart and lung blood vessels.

You must be 18 years old or older to be part of this registry. Both men and women are welcome to have their information included.

Those who are under 18 years old, or do not have a COPD diagnosis, or have not had the right heart catheterisation test, would not be included in this particular registry.

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.

  1. Do you have a diagnosis of COPD?
  2. Have you had a heart test called a right heart catheterisation?
  3. Are you 18 years old or older?
  4. Are you happy for your existing medical facts to be used?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a registry, which means it primarily collects and analyses existing medical information. For participants, this generally means that doctors will use information from your medical records, specifically from when you were diagnosed with COPD and had your right heart catheterisation test. You would not typically need to undergo new tests, take different medications, or have extra clinic visits specifically for this study. There is no set "duration" of participation for you, as the focus is on gathering existing data. They are simply collecting information that has already been recorded about your health, with your permission.

Potential risks and benefits

Because this study is a registry that collects existing medical information, there are generally no direct medical risks to you as a participant. You won't be given any new treatments or asked to undergo additional procedures. The main benefit is that your anonymised information will contribute to a better understanding of how COPD affects the heart and lungs, potentially leading to improved care for future patients. You always have the right to withdraw your consent for your data to be used in the registry at any time, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

  • Medical University of Graz
    Verified postcode
    Graz, Austria· Recruiting
  • University of Zurich
    Verified postcode
    Zurich, Switzerland· Recruiting
  • University of Sheffield
    Verified postcode
    Sheffield, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a common lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension means you have high blood pressure in the blood vessels that go from your heart to your lungs.

What is a right heart catheterisation?

It's a special heart test that helps doctors measure the pressures and blood flow inside your heart and the arteries leading to your lungs.

Do I need to do anything new for this study?

No, this study uses information already collected from your medical records, so you won't need new tests or appointments.

How does this study help patients?

By collecting information, researchers hope to better understand and eventually improve treatments for people with COPD and pulmonary hypertension.

How to find out more

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

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "Clinical Registry for the Characterization of the 'Pulmonary…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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