What is this study trying to find out about COPD?

This study is evaluating whether measuring end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) can help predict severe COPD flare-ups in patients arriving at the emergency department. It aims to see if EtCO2 levels can estimate blood carbon dioxide without invasive tests. The study is led by the University Hospital in Grenoble to improve early detection and treatment of COPD exacerbations.

Who may be eligible for this COPD clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 or older with a history of COPD who come to the emergency department with acute shortness of breath may be eligible. Both men and women can join if they agree to participate and are able to communicate in French. People with very low blood pressure or those already on ventilation are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this COPD clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the EtCO2 measurement and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. Personal travel or other expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be reimbursed. Participants can expect to receive standard emergency care along with the additional monitoring for the study.

Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID05704881

Using End-tidal Carbon Dioxide EtCO2 to Assess Severity of COPD Exacerbations A Prospective Observational Study in Emergency Departments

Led by University Hospital, Grenoble · Updated on 2026-04-15

240

Participants Needed

Research Sites

13 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD is a common and serious lung condition affecting 8 to 12% of adults and is a leading cause of death in developed countries. This research investigates the use of end-tidal carbon dioxide EtCO2, a non-invasive measurement, to predict severe COPD exacerbations and estimate arterial carbon dioxide levels without the need for blood sampling. Early detection of exacerbations is important to improve patient survival. In this observational study conducted in emergency departments, patients admitted with acute COPD exacerbations will have their EtCO2 levels measured by nurses using a mask or oxygen glasses at the time of initial assessment. Treatment will follow current international guidelines, and the doctors will not see the EtCO2 results. Researchers will then track whether patients require invasive or non-invasive ventilation within the first 24 hours after admission. Participants will be monitored during their emergency department stay, with clinical data collected from medical records 24 hours after admission. Additional measures include arterial blood gas tests taken about 15 minutes after arrival to compare EtCO2 readings with blood carbon dioxide levels. The study focuses on how well EtCO2 predicts the need for ventilation support and its agreement with standard blood gas measurements, helping to improve assessment and treatment of COPD flare-ups.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Monitoring of the End-tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO2) as a Severity Criterion in COPD Exacerbations

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Patient presenting to the emergency department with acute shortness of breath and a documented or reported history of COPD
Male or female aged 18 years or older
Did not oppose participation in the study

You will not qualify if you...

Low blood pressure (systolic below 90 mmHg or mean below 65 mmHg)
Previously included in the study during an earlier emergency visit
Already receiving invasive or non-invasive ventilation upon emergency admission
COPD exacerbation ruled out after medical and additional examinations
Non-communicative, non-French speaking, impaired comprehension, or impaired consciousness
Protected persons under French public health code articles L1121-6 and L1121-8 (deprived of liberty, under tutorship or curatorship)

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person) at emergency department reception

Diagnostic Evaluation

Duration - Within 15 minutes after emergency admission

Participants undergo measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) during vital sign assessment at emergency department reception using a mask or oxygen glasses. Additional arterial blood gas measurements occur shortly after admission.

1 visit (in-person) at emergency department

Long-term Monitoring

Duration - 24 hours after admission

Participants are observed after discharge from the emergency department with clinical outcomes collected 24 hours after admission from medical records.

No additional visits; data collected from medical records