Breath Analysis Technique to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism

Wake Forest University (WFU)

Status and phase

Completed

Phase 3

Phase 2

Conditions

Pulmonary Embolism

Treatments

Device: BreathScreen PE

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Industry

NIH

Identifiers

NCT00368836

R42HL086316-01 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

433

Details and patient eligibility

About

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in one of the arteries of the lungs, and is usually caused by a traveling blood clot. The D-dimer blood test is currently used to diagnose PEs, but it is not always accurate for individuals who have recently undergone surgery or who have inflammatory-provoking diseases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Carboximeter, a new PE diagnostic device that measures carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) output, in individuals at risk for developing PEs.

Full description

PE is the second leading cause of sudden, unexpected death in the United States. In 90% of the cases, it is caused by deep vein thrombosis: a blood clot forms in a vein, travels through the bloodstream, and lodges in the lungs. PE symptoms vary, and can include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid breathing, or increased heart rate. Some medical procedures and diseases activate inflammation and blood coagulation, thereby making individuals more vulnerable to PE. Surgery, kidney dialysis, cancer, connective tissue diseases, infectious diseases, and being over 70 years old put individuals at increased risk for developing PEs. A common screening test for PE is the D-dimer blood test, which measures the level of a specific protein that is released following a PE. This test, however, has proven to be an unreliable diagnostic tool for individuals who are at high risk for PE. A more reliable diagnostic tool is needed. The Carboximeter is a new device that measures the ratio of CO2/O2 pressure in an individual's expired breath. By monitoring these components, researchers may be able to accurately diagnose PEs in high risk individuals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Carboximeter at diagnosing PE in individuals at risk for developing PEs.

This study will be conducted in two phases. In Phase I, CO2/O2 ratio and D-dimer levels will be measured prior to and following orthopedic or cancer-related surgery in 100 individuals at risk for developing PEs. In Phase II, the same measurements will be carried out on 350 high risk individuals who are experiencing PE symptoms. These individuals will also undergo computed tomography (CT) angiography and venography, in which blood flow will be visualized using x-rays. A follow-up evaluation will occur 30 days later. If any participant from Phase I or II experiences a PE or a medical condition that affects their lungs, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), researchers may schedule a follow-up evaluation to obtain repeat measurements.

Enrollment

475 patients

Sex

All

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Phase I Inclusion Criteria:

Experienced or is scheduled for at least one of the following:
1. Hip or knee replacement surgery
2. Hip or acetabular fracture surgery
3. Pelvic fracture
4. Decompression for spinal stenosis surgery
5. Scoliosis corrective surgery
6. Craniotomy surgery for brain tumor
7. Surgery for any of the following cancers: bladder, colon (including caecum and rectum), kidney, ovary, pancreas, or uterus

Phase I Exclusion Criteria:

Currently undergoing treatment for PE or has received treatment for PE in the 4 weeks prior to study entry
Hospitalized for fewer than 2 days
Anatomic abnormality that would prevent use of a mouthpiece
Living situation that makes follow-up difficult (e.g., homeless, incarcerated)

Phase II Inclusion Criteria:

Clinical suspicion of PE with signs or symptom suggestive of PE within 24 hours of presentation and at least one risk factor for PE, as defined under the criteria as outlined in this protocol
CTA of pulmonary arteries ordered by clinical care providers
18 years or older or an emancipated 17 year old
Written informed consent

Phase II Exclusion Criteria:

Hemodynamic instability, including patients with a systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg
Severe respiratory distress or the inability to breathe room air without the sensation of severe dyspnea
Pulse oximetry reading that declines more than 10% when exogenous oxygen is discontinued with accompanying worsening or new dyspnea
Intubated
Cannot breathe through the mouth owing to anatomic, physical or mental limitation
No fixed address, no telephone number, are from out of town or have other reason to suspect difficulty with follow-up
Incarceration
Known active tuberculosis
Prior PE or DVT with history of medical noncompliance with oral anticoagulation therapy based upon a history of unplanned subtherapeutic INR measurements (less than 1.5)
Active PE within previous 6 months and currently under treatment with anticoagulation
Pregnant
Disallowed medications: treatment with any fibrinolytic agent within 48 hours prior to enrollment