Mucus Dehydration and Evolution of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Lung Disease

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this research is to understand the properties of mucus in persons with COPD, specifically Chronic Bronchitis. We hypothesize that those with Chronic Bronchitis have dehydrated mucus, and thus have a harder time coughing it out of their lungs. This leads to a greater vulnerability for lung infection, inflammation and airflow obstruction. Ultimately, our goal is to understand how mucus dehydration contributes to the progression of COPD/Chronic Bronchitis so that better therapies and interventions can be developed for future generations.

Detailed Description
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Specific Aim I directly tests the hypothesis that mucus clearance is impaired due to mucus dehydration. It measures 1) COPD Mucociliary and Cough Clearance 2) mucus hydration 3) the concentrations of the dominant regulators of airway hydration and 4) the consequences of mucus dehydration on mucus biophysical properties and bacterial infection. Specific Aim II tests the hypothesis that COPD acute exacerbations are associated with failures of mucus clearance. Measurements will be similar to that of Specific Aim I, but conducted during periods of baseline health, acute exacerbation and recovery. Specific Aim III tests whether airway surface hydration with 7% Hypertonic Saline will restore clearance in the basal state and during a COPD acute exacerbation. COPD subjects will be exposed to inhaled Hypertonic Saline during periods of baseline health and acute exacerbation. Acute efficacy via measures of mucus clearance and spirometry will studied.

Official Title
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SCCOR in Host Factors in Chronic Lung Disease

Conditions
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Bronchitis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: 7% hypertonic saline


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: history of COPD/chronic bronchitis defined as having a productive cough for three months of the year for at least two successive years greater than or equal to a 10 pack year cigarette smoking history ability to perform spirometry Exclusion Criteria: unstable lung disease allergy to study medications radiation exposure within past year exceeding Federal Regulation Limits

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 82 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease<br>Subjects diagnosed with COPD are classified according to standards set forth by the Global Initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease. This study recruits subjects in each of three GOLD categories. | Other: 7% hypertonic saline<br>* Administered via jet nebulizer to subjects in specific aim 3<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mucociliary clearance of inhaled tc99m |  | 24 hours | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Identification of bacterial and viral communities in mucus samples; analysis of biochemical and biophysical properties of mucus |  | March 2012 | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Mucus, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis