Actively Recruiting
Effect of Acute Hypoxia on Right Ventricular Function in Asthma: A Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Cross-Over Trial
Led by Mona Lichtblau · Updated on 2026-05-29
18
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to understand how the right side of the heart, especially the right ventricle, reacts to short-term exposure to low oxygen levels in adults with asthma. It focuses on simulated altitudes of 490 m, 2,500 m, and 4,000 m to see how oxygen reduction impacts heart function both at rest and during light exercise. This study uses a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design to compare heart responses under these different oxygen conditions. Participants inhale special gas mixtures that create conditions matching these altitudes while resting for one hour and then during 10 minutes of low-intensity cycling exercise. The study includes multiple sequences of altitude exposure to ensure each participant experiences all three conditions in a random order, with wash-out periods between them. During the study visits, vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are monitored continuously. Heart function is assessed using non-invasive ultrasound imaging at rest and during exercise. Blood samples are collected to analyze various biomarkers. Participants may complete the study over two to three days, with detailed symptom assessments and monitoring to understand how the heart and other body systems respond to low oxygen in asthma.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Acute Hypoxia on RIght VEntRicular Function in Asthma.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Signed informed consent
- Diagnosed and well controlled asthma bronchiale
- Aged between 18 and 80 years
- All sexes and genders
- Living below 800 meters altitude and no exposure above 2500 meters for more than 24 hours in the last three weeks
You will not qualify if you...
- Younger than 18 or older than 80 years
- Any other diagnosed heart or lung condition including past high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)
- Other severe medical conditions such as kidney or liver dysfunction
- Inability to follow study procedures due to language, psychological, neurological, or orthopedic disorders
- Permanently living above 800 meters or recent altitude exposure above 2500 meters for more than 24 hours
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Participation in another study with active treatment
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 to 3 days, which can be spread over several weeks depending on participant availability
Participants undergo simulated altitude exposures including resting and light cycling exercise at different oxygen levels corresponding to altitudes of 490 m, 2500 m, and 4000 m. Heart function and other vital signs are measured at baseline and during each condition to assess right ventricular response.
3 study visits with multiple testing sessions per visit including resting, cycling exercise, and recovery periods
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Consultant Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, 8091
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mona Lichtblau, PD Dr. med.
C
Carmen Wick, Cand. PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Number of Arms
6
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here