CompletedNot Applicable

Early Signs of Altitude Illness in Patients With COPD

Kyrgyzstan153 participantsStarted 2019-05-20

Plain-language summary

This study evaluates whether structured self-monitoring (SSM) by a symptom checklist in combination with a pulse oximeter worn at the wrist allows lowlanders with COPD to accurately identify whether or not they will experience an altitude-related illness during altitude travel.

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 * Male and female patients, age 18-75 yrs. * COPD diagnosed according to GOLD, FEV1 40-80% predicted, SpO2 ≥92%, PaCO2 \<6 kPa at 760 m. * Born, raised and currently living at low altitude (\<800 m). * Written informed consent. Exclusion criteria * COPD exacerbation, very severe COPD with hypoxemia at low altitude (FEV1 \<40% predicted; oxygen saturation on room air \<92% or hypercapnia at 760 m). * Other lung disease or disorder of control of breathing * Comorbidities such as uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, i.e., unstable systemic arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease; previous stroke, internal, neurologic, rheumatologic or psychiatric disease that interfere with protocol compliance including current heavy smoking (\>20 cigarettes per day)

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

Diagnostic accurarcy measures of structured self-monitoring

Timeframe: Day 1 to 3 at 3100m

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03957759

SponsorUniversity of Zurich

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2021-08-08

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 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.