Autonomic Function in COPD and Risk for Atrial Fibrillation

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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In the presented study, autonomic function as well as risk for atrial fibrillation will be assessed to characterize the relation between risk of atrial fibrillation and autonomic function.

Detailed Description
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been suggested as relevant comorbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The evaluation of the total atrial conduction time via tissue Doppler imaging (PA-TDI interval) can be used to identify patients with increased risk of new onset AF. Autonomic function can be assessed by different non invasive clinical investigations. The investigators hypothesise that PA-TDI interval is increased in acutely exacerbated COPD (AECOPD) compared within stable COPD and that increased PA-TDI is related to impairment of autonomic function. For this purpose, 25 patients with AECOPD and 25 patients with stable COPD were characterized by clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, lung function, electrocardiography, echocardiography and autonomic function.

Official Title
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Characterization of Autonomic Function in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Potential Relevance for Increased Risk of Atrial Fibrillation

Conditions
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Measurement of lung function, electrocardiography, echocardiography and autonomic function


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exacerbated or stable between the age of 40-80 years with sinus rhythm who gave informed written consent Exclusion Criteria: Inability to give written consent, acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevations in last 30 days, severe acute or chronic renal dysfunction, severe heart failure, atrial fibrillation, severe valve disease, severe hypotension, active malignant disease, active rheumatic disease

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 40 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| AECOPD<br>acute exacerbation of COPD | Other: Measurement of lung function, electrocardiography, echocardiography and autonomic function<br>* Measurement of lung function, electrocardiography, echocardiography and autonomic function<br>|
| stable COPD<br> | Other: Measurement of lung function, electrocardiography, echocardiography and autonomic function<br>* Measurement of lung function, electrocardiography, echocardiography and autonomic function<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| total atrial conduction time | total atrial conduction time via tissue Doppler imaging (PA-TDI interval) | Baseline | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Heart rate variability | For the assessment of autonomic function different test that characterize sympathetic or parasympathic function are performed. All tests for autonomic function are non invasive. | Baseline | 
| Baroreflex sensitivity | For the assessment of autonomic function different test that characterize sympathetic or parasympathic function are performed. All tests for autonomic function are non invasive. | Baseline | 
| Chemoreflex sensitivity | For the assessment of autonomic function different test that characterize sympathetic or parasympathic function are performed. All tests for autonomic function are non invasive. | Baseline | 
| Deep breathing test | For the assessment of autonomic function different test that characterize sympathetic or parasympathic function are performed. All tests for autonomic function are non invasive. | Baseline | 
| Ewing test | For the assessment of autonomic function different test that characterize sympathetic or parasympathic function are performed. All tests for autonomic function are non invasive. | Baseline | 
| Cold pressure test | For the assessment of autonomic function different test that characterize sympathetic or parasympathic function are performed. All tests for autonomic function are non invasive. | Baseline | 
| Cold face test | For the assessment of autonomic function different test that characterize sympathetic or parasympathic function are performed. All tests for autonomic function are non invasive. | Baseline | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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atrial fibrillation, autonomic function, cardiopulmonary interaction