Clinical Research Directory

Development of FAPI PET as a Non-invasive Biomarker of Pulmonary Fibrogenesis

The goal of this clinical trial is to gain more information about how fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) binds to a certain type of cells in fibrotic lung tissue and how this information can be used to better diagnose and track fibrotic lung disease activity. Participants will undergo up to 4 PET/MRI scans using the FAPI radiotracer.

Western Sweden Systemic Sclerosis Project

The main aim of the project is to identify key-factors involved in the development and progression of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), a chronic invalidating rheumatic disease characterized by high mortality and insufficient treatment options. A cohort of patients with SSc will be collected at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Skaraborg Hospital in Skövde, and Södra Älvsborg Hospital in Borås (Sweden). Thanks to a holistic approach including integrated analysis of blood, and skin samples as well as DNA, and with the use of state-of-the-art methods, this project aims to identify factors (e.g. genes, proteins, metabolites, and immune cell types) associated with the development of SSc and with the progression to a more aggressive phenotype. Functional studies using in vitro model systems and patient specimens will be also implemented. The findings of the current project could lead to the identification of possible diagnostic and prognostic markers for the disease as well as potential drug targets. This cohort will be also linked to the European Scleroderma Trial and Research (EUSTAR), which is an international SSc research network aiming to coordinate research activities on SSc from groups all over Europe in order to improve treatment, quality of life and mortality of patients with SSc.

Practice of Oxygenation and Respiratory Support During Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy

The current practice of oxygenation and/or ventilation supports in patients undergoing Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy is very heterogeneous among studies published in the literature; in addition, clear outcomes advantages of one strategy over another currently lack. The goal of this observational study is to describe the current practice of oxygenation and/or ventilation supports in patients undergoing Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy (FOB), stratified by baseline respiratory condition, co-morbidities, type of procedure and hospital settings. Investigators will enroll all adult patients undergoing any fiberoptic bronchoscopy in any clinical settings (from outpatients to critically ill patients). No specific exclusion criteria are indicated for enrollment in this study. Investigators will record the following data: * Patient's baseline data. * Type of FOB procedure: toilet bronchoscopy (for secretions, blood, mucus plugs removal), broncho-aspirate (BAS), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), brushing for cytology, biopsy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). The type and size of bronchoscope (with or without an internal/external camera) and the time of the procedure will be also recorded. * Type of supportive strategy: no support, Standard Oxygen Therapy, High Flow Nasal Cannula, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and or non invasive ventilation trough mask or helmet, invasive mechanical ventilation. * Sedation * Intra-procedural vital parameters * Occurrence of adverse events: desaturation (i.e. SpO2\< 90% for at least 10 seconds), severe desaturation (i.e. SpO2\< 80%), need for procedure interruption, hypotensive (systolic blood pressure \<90 mmHg) or hypertensive (systolic blood pressure \>140 mmHg) events, new onset of cardiac arrhythmias (specify the rhythm) or myocardial ischemia or electrocardiographic ST-alterations, neurological events (i.e. severe sensorium depression, psychomotor agitation). * Post-procedural vital parameters (15 minutes after the procedure). * Clinical outcomes: need for support escalation, need for admission to ward (for outpatient) or ICU (for outpatients and ward-admitted patient).

FIBRotic Interstitial Lung Disease With Nocturnal hypOXaemia and EXercise Induced desaTuRAtion

This is an observational clinical research study investigating patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (fILD), also known as pulmonary fibrosis. It is not known why some patients with fILD clinically deteriorate. This study will investigate whether measuring oxygen levels during sleep or exercise can help identify patients who are at increased risk of clinical deterioration.