Actively Recruiting
Understanding the Effects of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension on Lean Muscle Mass
Led by University of Pennsylvania · Updated on 2026-05-11
150
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
230 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor
N
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are at increased risk of muscle loss and decreased physical activity. This study will aim to (1) understand the way in which muscle loss occurs in PAH, particularly the role of fat surrounding the heart, and (2) look at the impact muscle loss has on quality of life, daily physical activity, and hospitalizations in patients with PAH. The findings from this study could help identify potentially treatable factors that may improve the overall quality of life and physical functioning of patients with PAH. Subjects will be asked to attend a baseline visit where the following will be performed: * Measure your vital signs * Undergo a research blood draw, less than 4 tablespoons * Provide a urine pregnancy test (if applicable) * Review demographics, personal history, and medical history * Review current PAH medications * Complete questionnaires on how your PAH affects you * Complete a test of physical performance * Complete a grip strength test * Undergo an echocardiogram (Echo) * Complete a six-minute walk test * Undergo a Chest CT Scan * Undergo a scan of your body composition (DXA scan) * Obtain a weight and body composition measurement on the InBody Scale Subjects will also complete activity moniotring, two 24-hour diet recalls, and participate in remote follow-up visits every 6 months
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Understanding the Effects of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension on Lean Muscle Mass
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Signed informed consent before any study procedures
- Diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in one of these Group 1 PH subgroups: idiopathic, heritable, drug- or toxin-induced, or associated with connective tissue disease, HIV infection, congenital heart disease, or portopulmonary hypertension
- PAH diagnosis within 6 months of enrollment or on stable therapy for at least 3 months before enrollment
- Documented PAH diagnosis by right heart catheterization showing mean pulmonary arterial pressure over 20 mmHg, pulmonary artery wedge pressure or left ventricular end-diastolic pressure 15 mmHg or less, and pulmonary vascular resistance over 2 Wood units
You will not qualify if you...
- Moderate to severe obstructive lung defect before enrollment with FEV1/FVC ratio at or below 5th percentile and FEV1 z-score less than 2.5
- Severe restrictive lung defect before enrollment with total lung capacity below 5th percentile and FEV1 z-score less than 4
- Hospitalization for decompensated right heart failure within 1 week before enrollment
- More than moderate aortic or mitral valve disease
- Left ventricular ejection fraction below 40% within 1 year before screening
- Pregnancy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Pennsylvania Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rebecca Gallagher
CONTACT
N
Nicole Denney, MS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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