Gastro-oesphageal reflux in patients with cystic fibrosis and its effect on lung function.

ISRCTN ISRCTN59493612
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN59493612
Secondary identifying numbers N/A
Submission date
16/06/2015
Registration date
30/06/2015
Last edited
12/05/2021
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Digestive System
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a condition where acid from the stomach leaks out of the stomach and up into the oesophagus (gullet). It is common in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition where the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus. Although symptoms such as heartburn and acid taste in the mouth can occur, often there are no symptoms. Studies have suggested a link between a worsening lung function and the amount of GORD. A potential mechanism is by the stomach content travelling into the lungs causing inflammation and altering the usual organisms that are present. If that is the case, there may be opportunities for new drugs and/or surgical procedures. The aim of this observational study is to investigate if GORD affects the lung function.

Who can participate?
Adult patients from the Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre outpatient clinic diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Healthy volunteers will also participate, for comparison purposes.

What does the study involve?
It will involve looking at sputum samples (phlegm) to assess microbiology and presence of markers of reflux aspiration. These are substances that are found in the gastrointestinal tract and that, if detected in sputum, supports presence of stomach contents in the lungs. In addition factors that may influence GORD, such as antacids tablets and enteral feeding (via a tube into the stomach) will be evaluated. GORD will be measured by using special probes that assess the function of the oesophagus, pH (acidity) and presence of gastric contents within the gullet. The participants will provide measures of lung function, clinical details, blood and sputum samples as well as complete symptom questionnaires. They will have to attend two additional clinic appointments. Sputum samples will be stored in secure freezers to allow tests to be conducted in the future. Travel expenses will be paid for.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
We envisage no significant risks. Participants will be provided with an accurate assessment of their gastro-oesophageal reflux, which may be used to improve their clinical care.

Where is the study run from?
University Hospitals South Manchester (UK)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
August 2015 to August 2018.

Who is funding the study?
Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre (UK)

Who is the main contact?
Dr Robert Lord

Contact information

Dr Robert Lord
Scientific

University Hospital South Manchester
Southmoor Road
Manchester
M23 9LT
United Kingdom

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0000-0001-9008-2502

Study information

Study designSingle-centre longitudinal observational study
Primary study designObservational
Secondary study designLongitudinal study
Study setting(s)Hospital
Study typeDiagnostic
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleGastro-oesphageal reflux in patients with cystic fibrosis and its effect on lung function: an observational study
Study objectivesIn patients with cystic fibrosis, gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) directly impacts on respiratory disease. This is a consequence of micro-aspiration of gastric contents into the airways.We postulate that this is a consequence of increased airway inflammation, in part due to modification of the airway microbiome.
Ethics approval(s)Research Ethics Committee Greater Manchester South, 13/10/2015, ref: 15/NW/0655
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedGastro-oesophageal reflux in cystic fibrosis
InterventionGastro-oesphophageal reflux will be measured using 24 hour combined pH and multichannel intraluminal impedence (pH-MII) in a cohort of cystic fibrosis patients recruited from the outpatient clinic. Relevant medical history and clinical data, measures of lung function upon enrollment, blood and sputum samples will be obtained. Prevalence of GORD will be compared to severity of lung disease. The sputum samples will be analysed for both culture and non-culture dependent microbiology as well as for presence of biomarkers of extra-oesphageal GORD. We intend to enroll healthy volunteers for induced sputum to allow comparision of microbiology and biomarkers of estra-oesopahageal GORD.
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measureDetermine the characteristics of GOR and its correlation to the severity of respiratory disease in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Collected at either the first or second visit. Evaluation of the notes will provide any additional data.
Secondary outcome measures1. Evaluate the relationship between GOR and airway microbiology
2. Evaluate the correlation between proximal GOR and sputum markers of extra-oesophageal reflux
3. Evaluate proposed sputum microbiology and markers of aspiration in CF patients against healthy controls
4. Evaluate the impact on GOR characteristics of those receiving Ivacaftor, PPI or enteral feeding
5. Evaluate the impact on GOR characteristics of patients characteristics including genotype, weight and sex

Collected at either the first or second visit. Evaluation of the notes will provide any additional data.
Overall study start date01/08/2015
Completion date01/08/2018

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participants100
Total final enrolment41
Key inclusion criteria1. Confirmed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
2. Aged over 18
3. Provision of signed, written and dated informed consent, prior to any study specific procedures
Key exclusion criteria1. An acute exacerbation within two weeks of completing oral or intravenous antibiotics
2. Pregnant
3. Post-lung transplant
4. Fundoplication
5. Known infection with burkholderia cepacia complex organisms
Date of first enrolment01/09/2015
Date of final enrolment01/06/2018

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • England
  • United Kingdom

Study participating centre

University Hospitals South Manchester
Southmoor Road
Manchester
M21 9AX
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

University Hospital South Manchester
Hospital/treatment centre

Southmoor Road
Manchester
M23 9LT
England
United Kingdom

Website www.uhsm.nhs.uk
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/00he80998

Funders

Funder type

Hospital/treatment centre

Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date01/11/2018
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareYes
IPD sharing plan summaryAvailable on request
Publication and dissemination planWe will report the findings through conferences and journals. They will also be published in a PhD thesis.
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Results article respiratory tract microbiome results presented at the British Thoracic Society meeting 01/12/2019 12/05/2021 Yes No
Thesis results 12/05/2021 No No
HRA research summary 28/06/2023 No No

Editorial Notes

12/05/2021: The following changes have been made:
1. Abstract and thesis references added.
2. The final enrolment number has been added from the thesis.