PASSPORT [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Physiology and structure of the small airways in patients with chronic airflow obstruction (PASSPORT)
IRAS ID
242005
Contact name
Pallav Shah
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Chronic airways obstruction (CAO) is a common condition which has been demonstrated to be prevalent in 26% of adults over the age of 45. Chronic asthma and COPD are the predominant causes of CAO, with small airways obstruction usually associated. \n\nThe small airways of the lung are characterised as having a luminal diameter <2mm and are reached in as few as 4 and in as many as 14 generations of bronchial division (mean =8 generations). The small airways are being increasingly recognised as a significant cause of obstructive respiratory conditions, where subclinical disease can accumulate over time in this silent conducting zone of the lung. Traditional lung function tests are not accurate in examining small airways function as forced manoeuvres trigger dynamic airway collapse, confounding characterisation of airway obstruction.\n\nThis work will explore how validated physiological small airways measurements (impulse oscillometry, multiple breath nitrogen washout, lung compliance) in patients with chronic airflow obstruction relate to anatomical assessment (quantitative CT, optical coherence tomography). \n\nPatients with chronic airflow obstruction undergoing clinical or research bronchoscopies will be invited to join this study. Prior to bronchoscopy, participants will undergoing investigations characterising small airways function (impulse oscillometry, multiple breath nitrogen washout, lung compliance). Routine lung function testing, radiological assessments including CT Thorax, health status questionnaires and a 6-minute walk test performed as part of usual clinical care will be reviewed. In addition to the planned bronchoscopic procedure, the patient will undergo assessment with endobronchial optical coherence tomography to determine the microanatomical structure of the small airways. \n\nFollowing completion of the bronchoscopy, patients will exit the study. [COVID-19 Amendment 08/06/2020] 1. Update of the study title to include COVID-19\n2. Updating of protocol to include background and rational for including patients with COVID-19\n3. Removal of lung compliance study, an invasive test that was frequently declined by patients\n4. PIS updated to reflect the above\n5. Minor changes to formatting
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1947
Date of REC Opinion
5 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion