RELACS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Randomised Feasibility Study of CPAP in Large Airway Collapse
IRAS ID
342137
Contact name
Rebecca Nightingale
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 5 days
Research summary
Large airway collapse (LAC) is a chronic breathing condition that is often seen in patients with asthma. It can cause recurrent flare-ups that need antibiotics. There are limited treatment options. Current treatments include chest physio +/- saltwater mist to help loosen mucus.
CPAP may be able to help. CPAP is a machine that blows continuous pressurised air into the lungs when someone sleeps.
This is a study to see if it is possible to conduct a larger study investigating CPAP in LAC in the future.
The study will involve identifying patients with LAC from specialist clinics in the hospital. If they would like to participate, a member of the study team will go through the information leaflet and answer any questions. If the patient is happy they can sign the consent form at the first appointment.
Next, the patient will be asked questions about their medical history, medications and any flare-ups of their breathing. This is to help the study team determine if the patient is right for the trial. If the patient is happy to continue and they are a good fit for the study, they will be randomly selected to either receive the current standard of care (chest physio) or this plus CPAP.
Patients will perform questionnaires to help us understand the impact of LAC on daily life and the costs associated with having the condition.
Patients will attend follow-up appointments at 3, 6 and 12 months. During the trial, there will also be the option for patients to participate in an additional mini-study that involves a one-on-one discussion about LAC and treatments.
This will help us to understand if CPAP could be an acceptable, cost-effective treatment for large airway collapse in the future and whether it will be possible to perform a larger study that could help to change the way we treat this condition.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/WM/0006
Date of REC Opinion
24 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion