Validation of a predictive score for HAST - v2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A predictive score to reduce the use of hypoxic-altitude simulation test (HAST) in patients with chronic respiratory disease planning air travel – an external validation prospective study
IRAS ID
247902
Contact name
Giulia Spoletini
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Patients with chronic lung diseases travelling by plane often suffer with symptoms related to lower oxygen levels they are exposed to whilst flying.
Therefore, patients with respiratory conditions are routinely assessed to establish if they need supplemental oxygen in flight. A hypoxic altitude simulation test (HAST) is often part of this assessment and consists in having patients breathe a oxygen/nitrogen blend with a lower oxygen concentration compared to normal room air, simulating in-flight conditions. Oxygen levels are measured before and after the test through a blood sample (from the earlobe or an artery in the wrist) and with a finger probe. In-flight oxygen is required if the oxygen level in the blood is lower than 6.6 kPa. HASTs are time consuming, costly, and require a dedicated hospital appointment.
In this study, we want to confirm if a simple score, based on blood results (venous and/or earlobe), can predict the outcome of the HASTs and therefore reduce the number of tests performed, travel time for patients, and costs for the NHS.
All patients, aged 18 or older, who are having a HAST for clinical purposes at the cardio-respiratory lab at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust will be invited to take part in the study. We will record diagnosis, results of HAST and previous spirometry from the medical notes, perform a spirometry if not done in the previous 12 months and collect a blood sample (one tube, 4 mls). With these data, we will calculate the score and assess its agreement with the outcome of the HAST.
Each participant's involvement in the study will last for approximately 90-120 minutes, which is the normal duration of a HAST.
We aim to include up to 280 subjects in the study.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
18/WS/0117
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion