Collagen Fingerprinting for Stratification of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Patients
Recruiting · NCT07498244 · Observational (researchers observe without assigning treatment) · Lead sponsor: Medical University of Graz
View the official record on ClinicalTrials.gov →What this trial is about
Chronic lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to pulmonary hypertension. This serious complication involves increased pressure in the lung vessels, which strains the heart and worsens outcomes. Since the early symptoms are unclear, diagnosis often occurs too late, underscoring the need for simple, noninvasive methods of early detection. A key driver of the disease is vascular remodeling, which involves the narrowing and stiffening of blood vessels. This process involves changes in the extracellular matrix, particularly in the understudied basement membrane. Our project examines how specific components, especially non-classical collagens, change during disease progression. As vessels remodel, detectable fragments enter the bloodstream, potentially creating a molecular fingerprint of the disease. By analyzing lung tissue and blood samples, the investigators aim to identify non-invasive biomarkers for earlier diagnosis, better patient classification, and more personalized treatment.
Who can take part
Inclusion criteria
- Patients undergoing lung transplantation with COPD or PF, with or without associated PH and PAH.
- \- Outpatient cohort with COPD or PF, with or without associated PH or PAH.
Exclusion criteria
- Presence of other lung diseases
- Signs of infection, such as pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, or pleural effusions.
Where it is running
1 location listed.
- Medical University of Graz - Graz, Styria, Austria