Autonomic Function in Patients With COPD
Condition: Autonomic Function in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
MeSH terms: Lung Diseases; Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      Conduct an in-depth evaluation of autonomic function using a validated tests, assess genetic
      aspects of autonomic failure, and determine the correlation between of autonomic function
      failure and other clinical variables in patients with COPD.
    

Detailed description: 
      Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent systemic disease that is
      caused by both environmental determinants and genetic risk factors. Patients with COPD also
      present with several comorbidities affecting their overall health status (Berndt et al,
      2012). The investigators have demonstrated from recently conducted systematic reviews that
      patients with COPD have significant impairments in autonomic function (Mohammed et al, 2015).
      Our ongoing hospital survey (preliminary results) also indicates these patients have
      significant autonomic complaints (symptoms). Consequently, the objectives of this present
      study are to; i) conduct an in-depth evaluation of autonomic function using a validated
      battery of tests, (ii) assess genetic aspects of autonomic failure, and (iii) to determine
      the correlation between of autonomic function failure and other clinical variables in
      patients with COPD.

      Based on the experience of our group (PhD- De Wandele, 2014), the investigators will evaluate
      the cardiovascular function (reflexes) in patients with COPD of different GOLD stages. The
      recruitment will be based on our recent questionnaire study. The patients will be evaluated
      by four validated tests. The first test is the HRV at rest. In this test, the ECG during 30
      minutes will be registered while the patient lies supine. The R-R intervals analysis will be
      evaluated by time (mean and standard deviation (SD) and other derived parameters such as
      SDNN) and frequency (Fast Fourier analysis to measure high frequency, low frequency bands and
      the ratio of HF/LF) domain parameters. The second test is the deep breathing maneuver. This
      test will be based on the phenomenon of respiratory arrhythmia. Here, patients will be asked
      to breath in and out at an imposed rhythm (8 cycles of 5 seconds in and 5 seconds out) that
      will be displayed on a screen (laptop). For this test, changes of heart rate (ECG) at
      breathing in and breathing out will be analyzed to ascertain its impact on parasympathetic
      activity. The third test is the valsalva manoeuver (which is evoked by blowing into a tube at
      a pressure between 40 and 50 mmHg for 15 seconds/3 trials). During this test (ECG
      recordings), the valsalva ratio (parasympathetic measure) and the 4 phases of blood pressure
      response (sympathetic reactivity) will be calculated and quantified (Novak, 2011). The
      adrenergic, vagal and global baroreflex sensitivity parameters will also be calculated
      (Schrezenmaier et al. 2007) from the ECG recordings. The fourth and last test is the head up
      tilt test. Here, the patient after 5 minutes of rest in supine position will be tilted
      rapidly to 60°. Due to redistribution of the blood in the body, this test is normally
      expected to evoke changes in blood pressure and heart rate that will be compared with the
      baseline measures. The tilt test (position) will last about 20 minutes. The initial
      orthostatic (hypotension) status will be taken into account.

      In the end, the investigators will calculate a "composite autonomic severity score" (CASS)
      based on cardiogenic and adrenegic functions thats will be derived from tests. the CASS
      results will range from 0 (no autonomic deficit) to 10 (maximal deficit). Also, the CASS
      score will be associated with different parameters. These include anthropometric measures
      (BMI, weight, height, fat free mass and fat mass), disease phenotyping (lung function
      (tiffeneau-index, breathing frequency, ventilatory effort, dyspnea, number of exacerbations,
      disease progression, anxiety and subjective well-being) and medication usage.

      This study also has a genetic aspect that will be carried out concurrently. Here, the
      investigators aim to determine the prevalence of autonomic failure genes in these patients
      and also correlate same with autonomic performance. For this, venous blood samples will be
      collected by a a nurse. These samples will be relayed to the medical genetics Department for
      DNA extraction and evaluation (polymorphisms). The evaluation will be based upon
      identification of autonomic failure genes that were earlier reported by Mathias & Bannister (
      2013). These genes include α2b-adrenergic receptor (5ADRA2B), dopamine receptor D4, Solute
      carrier family 6 (neurotransmitter transporter noradrenaline)-member 2, ........ This part of
      the study will be done in collaboration with the Medical Genetics Centre of the University
      Hospital Ghent.

      In total, the investigators are aiming to recruit 50 patients.
    

Intervention name(s): ECG
Intervention type(s): Device
Intervention description(s): Finapres electrocardiography machine
Observational model: Cohort
Time perspective: Cross-Sectional
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Patients with COPD attending the respiratory medicine department or the pulmonary
        rehabilitation division of Ghent University Belgium.
      
Keywords: Genetics; COPD; Autonomic nervous system