Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up
N/A N=16 Randomized Quadruple-blind Basic Science

The Role of Substance P on Perception of Breathlessness During Resistive Load Breathing

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Enrolled (actual)
16
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Jul 2013
Primary outcome: Primary: Intensity of Breathlessness — 80.8; 77.9 units on a scale

Study Design & Population

Study type
Interventional
Phase
N/A
Interventions
aprepitant (Drug); placebo (Drug)
Age
Adult, Older Adult · 50+ yrs
Sex
All
Sponsor
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Primary completion
Mar 2013

Outcome Measures

OutcomeResultp-value
PRIMARY
Intensity of Breathlessness
80.8; 77.9
PRIMARY
Unpleasantness of Breathlessness
76.2; 72.2
SECONDARY
Intensity of Pain
85.8; 81.9

Summary

Substance P is released from sensory nerves and transmits pain information into the central nervous system. As pain and dyspnea share many characteristics, including similar neurological pathways, it is possible that substance P may contribute to the sensation of dyspnea. The hypothesis of the study is that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will provide lower ratings of breathlessness during resistive load breathing with oral aprepitant, a medication that blocks the activity of substance P, compared with placebo.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • 50 years of age or older
  • diagnosis of COPD
  • former smoker > 10 pack-years
  • clinical diagnosis of chronic bronchitis
  • post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 30 - 80% predicted
  • FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio less than or equal to 70%

Exclusion Criteria

  • current smoker
  • pregnant women
  • concomitant disease that might interfere with study procedures
  • peripheral vascular disease or cold hypersensitivity
  • drugs that might interfere with aprepitant
View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01580423). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.

Back to search