UnknownPhase 4

Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension or Interstitial Lung Disease at Altitude - Effect of Oxygen on Breathing and Sleep

Switzerland50 participantsStarted 2014-05

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of travelling to moderate altitude and of nocturnal oxygen therapy during a stay at moderate altitude on breathing and sleep of patients with pulmonary hypertension or with interstitial lung disease.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Precapillary pulmonary hypertension, or interstitial lung disease. * New York Heart Association class 2-3. * Residence at low altitude (\<800m). Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable or exacerbated condition * Very severe pulmonary hypertension or interstitial lung disease, New York Heart Association class 4 * requirement for oxygen therapy at low altitude residence * hypoventilation * more than mild or unstable cardiovascular disease * use of drugs that affect respiratory center drive * internal, neurologic or psychiatric disease that interfere with protocol compliance including current heavy smoking (\>20 cigarettes per day), inability to perform 6 min walk test. * previous intolerance to moderate altitude (\<2600m). * Exposure to altitudes \>1500m for \>2 days within the last 4 weeks before the study. * Pregnant or nursing patients

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Mean nocturnal oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry

Timeframe: Approximately 8 hours (during the first night at 2048 m)

Apnea/hypopnea index measured by polysomnography

Timeframe: Approximately 8 hours (during the first night at 2048 m)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02150616

SponsorUniversity of Zurich

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.