Identifying aNd UnderstandinG ExacerbatioNs of fIbrOtic lUng diSease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying aNd UnderstandinG ExacerbatioNs of fIbrOtic lUng diSease (INGENIOUS): Detecting and understanding exacerbations in patients with fibrotic lung disease; a multi-centre cohort observational study
IRAS ID
331080
Contact name
Philip Molyneaux
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompass a group of conditions that lead to scarring of the lungs, resulting in breathing problems in some patients. Some patients have a stable disease trajectory while others have a more rapid decline and experience significant and frequent exacerbations or deteriorations. These can often cause significant lung function decline and result in major change in the patients’ quality of life.
At the time of diagnosis of fibrosing lung disease, we do not know which trajectory a patient is likely to follow and we do not have any good tests that can predict these exacerbations. We also do not know what causes them and therefore we do not have any prevention measures. This in turn also means that we do not have any specific effective treatments for these deteriorations.
In this study, we will ask patients to report any deterioration in their symptoms that is consistently present for two days or more and we will aim to see patients within 48 hours to collect samples from them and potentially treat and follow up their deterioration. This will hopefully help us to identify specific markers in their blood and sputum that can predict these exacerbations or identify triggers that have led to their deteriorations such as infections.
We aim to collect blood, sputum, oral rinse, saliva, nasal brushings, throat swab to check for viruses and stool and urine samples from patients; we will also measure their lung function using a hand-held spirometry machine and follow them up on a regular basis through face to face and virtual consultations. In some patients, we will also ask them to do measurements of their breathing (spirometry) and oxygen levels (saturation) at home through certified home monitoring devices.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
23/SS/0107
Date of REC Opinion
30 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion