This research is designed to evaluate how long-term treatment with Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) influences diaphragm function in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who suffer from chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. The diaphragm is the primary muscle of breathing, and its dysfunction is linked to unfavorable clinical outcomes such as higher mortality rates and frequent hospitalizations. In this prospective cohort study, COPD patients starting BiPAP therapy based on clinical indication will be monitored through repeated ultrasound assessments of diaphragm structure and function together with pulmonary function testing, respiratory muscle strength evaluation, dyspnea. The main outcome of interest is the change in diaphragm thickness in inspiration, thickness in expiration, diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF), diaphragm maximum contraction velocity and maximum relaxation velocity across a 6 weeks as a early time and 12 months for long time follow-up period. Secondary measures include hospital admissions, and one-year survival. The study is expected to generate valuable evidence about the link between non-invasive ventilation and diaphragm function, which may contribute to optimizing treatment strategies for COPD patients with advanced respiratory failure.
Age range
40 Years – 80 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.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
One-Year Survival
Timeframe: at baseline and after 12 months
Number of Hospital Admissions within 12 Months
Timeframe: at baseline and after 12 months
Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)
Timeframe: Baseline, after 6 weeks of BiPAP usage, and after one year
Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP)
Timeframe: At baseline, after 6 weeks of BiPAP usage, and after one year.
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Timeframe: Baseline, after 6 weeks of BiPAP usage, and after one year.
Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV₁)
Timeframe: Baseline, after 6 weeks of BiPAP usage, and after one year.
FEV₁/FVC Ratio
Timeframe: Baseline, after 6 weeks of BiPAP usage, and after one year.
Reyhan Kaygusuz Benli, Asst Prof
Cough Strength (Peak Cough Flow, PCF)
Timeframe: Baseline, after 6 weeks of BiPAP usage, and after one year.
Diaphragm Thickness (B-mode Ultrasound)
Timeframe: Baseline, after 6 weeks of BiPAP usage, and after one year.
Diaphragm Excursion (M-mode Ultrasound)
Timeframe: Baseline, after 6 weeks of BiPAP usage, and after one year.
Diaphragmatic Tissue Velocity (Tissue Doppler Imaging)
Timeframe: Baseline, after 6 weeks of BiPAP usage, and after one year.