The Effect of Humidification on Mucus Rheology

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD)

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other; Industry

Identifiers

NCT01661374

HM14433

Details and patient eligibility

About

In this study the investigators will collect mucus from mechanical ventilated patients and patients with COPD to study the effect of temperature and humidity, on the biophysical properties of the airway mucus. It is hypothesised that changes in inspired gas temperature and humidity (over time) may affect the biophysical properties of the airway mucus and reduce the airway's ability to clear mucus, resulting in deleterious clinical affects.

Full description

Expectorated sputum samples are collected and used to measure the biophysical properties of mucus secretions. The samples are later exposed to different temperatures and humidity levels during bench experiments.

Enrollment: 18 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 40 to 90 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Inclusion Criteria:

Any Subject Mechanically Ventilated and producing sputum.

Exclusion

• None

COPD Group

Inclusion Criteria:

• 40 to 90 years of age suffering from COPD
• History of mucus production

Exclusion Criteria:

• None

Trial design

18 participants in 2 patient groups

Mechanically Ventilated

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).