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Interstitial Lung DiseaseCOUGH-LESSNCT06782893

Chronic COUGH Management in Interstitial Lung DisEase

A study testing Healthy lifestyle in people with Interstitial Lung Disease and Chronic Cough, run by Aveiro University at 1 site in Portugal.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) includes chronic, disabling and progressive respiratory conditions marked by lung inflammation and fibrosis. The quality of life and functionality of people with ILD is affected by a plethora of debilitating symptoms such as dyspnoea fatigue and cough. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Interstitial Lung Disease, Chronic Cough
What is being tested?
Healthy lifestyle
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 sitePortugal
Study dates
20 Dec 2027to 30 Jul 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults (>18 years old) ii) Clinical diagnosis of ILD iii) Presenting chronic cough (> 8 weeks of duration) iv) People with access to a virtual meeting platform/telephone.

Who cannot join

  • Self-reports of moderate or large sputum production (> 2 tablespoons); ii) Actual or suspected exacerbation of the respiratory condition in the last month; iii) Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g. cold); iv) Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor medication; v) Changes in prescribed medication in the last month; vi) Signs of cognitive impairment or significant cardiovascular, neurological and/or musculoskeletal disease that may limit participation in the program; vii) Inability to read or speak Portuguese; viii) Inability to provide informed consent.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Ana L Oliveira, PhD contact

00351913937469

alao@ua.pt

Portugal1 site
  • Aveiro University

    Aveiro

    Ana L Oliveira, +351913937469, alao@ua.pt

    Ana S Grave, MSc

Other trials in Portugal

About this study

Official title: COUGH-LESS: Chronic COUGH Management in Interstitial Lung DisEase - Non-pharmacological Strategies and Solutions

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) includes chronic, disabling and progressive respiratory conditions marked by lung inflammation and fibrosis. The quality of life and functionality of people with ILD is affected by a plethora of debilitating symptoms such as dyspnoea fatigue and cough. Among them, chronic cough (a cough lasting more than 8 weeks) reigns as one of the most prevalent and challenging, despite receiving far less attention from researchers than other symptoms. Chronic cough affects up to 8 out of 10 individuals with ILD and it is associated with a worse prognosis, mortality, and the need for lung transplantation. This condition showed a significant impact in people's life (e.g., urinary incontinence, speech interferences, depression, chest pain, couples sleeping in separate bedrooms, avoidance of public areas, reduced social interaction, and work absenteeism), further contributing to the decreased health-related quality of life experienced by this population. Managing chronic cough is, therefore, urgently needed. The general aim of this study is to explore the effects of a non-pharmacological cough control treatment on cough-related quality of life in people with ILD. The specific aims of this study are: i) to explore short- and mid-term effects of the non-pharmacological cough control treatment on cough related outcomes (e.g., cough frequency and intensity, dyspnoea, fatigue, cough self-efficacy, health-related quality of life and emotional status); ii) to identify (if any) adverse effects of this therapy.

Read the detailed description

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) comprises chronic, disabling, and progressive respiratory conditions marked by lung inflammation and fibrosis. The quality of life and functionality of people with ILD is affected by a plethora of debilitating symptoms such as dyspnoea, fatigue, and cough. Among them, chronic cough reigns as one of the most prevalent and challenging, despite receiving far less attention from researchers than other symptoms.

Chronic cough (a cough lasting for > 8 weeks) and affects up to 8 out of 10 individuals with ILD. It is associated with a worse prognosis, mortality, and the need for lung transplantation. This condition also causes urinary incontinence, interferes with speech, and presents psychosocial and physical manifestations, such as depression and chest pain. Chronic cough can also lead to relationship problems, such as couples sleeping in separate bedrooms, avoidance of public areas, reduced social interaction, and work absenteeism, further contributing to the decreased health-related quality of life experienced by this population. Managing chronic cough is, therefore, urgently needed.

Currently, there is no approved drug to manage chronic cough in people with ILD. Conversely, non-pharmacologic cough control therapies have demonstrated similar efficacy without side effects. Studies have shown that non-pharmacological cough control therapy can improve cough-related quality of life and reduce cough frequency in individuals with refractory (i.e., cough that lasts despite optimal treatment) chronic cough. Promising results were observed in a case-study on people with chronic cough and ILD. However, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with adequate power are needed to establish the effects of non-pharmacological cough control therapy on people with ILD.

The primary aim of this study is to explore the effects of a non-pharmacological cough control treatment on cough-related quality of life in people with ILD. The specific aims of this study are: i) to explore short- and mid-term effects of the non-pharmacological cough control treatment on cough related outcomes (e.g., cough frequency and intensity, dyspnea, fatigue, cough self-efficacy, health-related quality of life and emotional status); ii) to identify (if any) adverse effects of this therapy.

COUGH-LESS randomized trial Potential participants will be identified and recruited through the pulmonology services of the Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga (CHBV) and Centro Hospitalar de Entre-o-Douro e Vouga (CHEDV).

Study design Participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental (EG) or control group (CG) using an online software. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention and 3 and 6 months after the intervention. To detect a 2-point between-group difference in the LCQ after 5 weeks, 20 participants per group (n=40) will be required, with 80% power and a significance level of 5%. Previous studies indicate losses to follow up of 50% and thus we will aim to recruit 60 individuals.

Data collection Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

Being tested
Non-pharmacological cough control therapy, Healthy lifestyle
Keywords
Chronic Cough, Interstitial Lung Disease, Non-pharmacological cough control therapy
Medical subject headings
Lung Diseases, Interstitial, Chronic Cough

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Non-pharmacological cough control therapyBehavioural

    Over seven weeks (1 session per week, except session 5, which will be 2 weeks after session 4) using a one-on-one hybrid model. In session 1, participants will receive general education about chronic cough, introduction to cough suppression and goal setting. Session 2 will cover education about chronic cough in ILD, cough triggers and training in cough suppression techniques. Session 3 will focus on hydration techniques, laryngeal hygiene, and breathing exercises to control coughing. Session 4 will reinforce all aspects of non-pharmacological cough control treatment, and session 5 will explore the sustainability of cough control strategies after the program using real-life case scenarios.

  • Healthy lifestyleBehavioural

    Over seven weeks (1 session per week, except session 5, which will be 2 weeks after session 4) using a one-on-one hybrid model. In session 1, participants will receive general education about exercise and physical activity. Session 2 will cover education about diet. Session 3 will focus on stress management. Session 4 will cover relaxation techniques, and session 5 will reinforce all aspects previously considered.

Study groups in NCT06782893
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
COUGH-LESS ProgrammeExperimentalNot described
Receives: Behavioral: Non-pharmacological cough control therapy
Control GroupSham comparatorNot described
Receives: Behavioral: Healthy lifestyle

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ)

    The LCQ is a reliable, responsive questionnaire recommended by various guidelines for assessing chronic cough. This questionnaire comprises 21 questions referring to the two weeks prior to completing it. The LCQ assesses three domains (psychological, social and physical) and also gives a total score. The maximum score that can be obtained on the LCQ is 21 points in total (7 in each domain) where higher scores translate into a higher quality of life related to coughing.

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks after interventions and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

Secondary outcomes (12)
  1. Change in Modified British Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC)

    The mMRC has been validated for the Portuguese population and is a predictor of increased severity in people with ILD.

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks after interventions and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

  2. Change in Cough Visual Analogic Scale (CVAS)

    The CVAS will be used to measure intensity and frequency of cough. This scale consists of a 10 cm line ranging from 0 (no severity/intensity) to 10 (extreme severity/intensity) and is moderately responsive.

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks after (post-intervention) and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

  3. Change in Chronic Airways Assessment Test (CAAT)

    CAT will be used to measure quality of life related to respiratory symptoms. This scale ranges from 0 to 45, where higher values mean a lower quality of life related to respiratory symptoms in people with ILD.

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks after (post-intervention) and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

  4. Change in One minute sit-to-stand test (1min-STS)

    The 1min-STS will be used to assess functional capacity. It will be counted the maximum number of repetitions completed in 1 minute while sitting and standing on a chair.

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks after (post-intervention) and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

  5. Six-minute Walking Test (6MWT)

    The 6MWT will be used also to measure functional capacity and has been validated in people with ILD. The walked total distance during the six minutes will be counted.

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks after (post-intervention) and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

  6. Change in Cough Hypersensitivity Questionnaire (CHQ)

    The CHQ comprises 23 questions related to cough-causing stimuli and coughing sensations. This questionnaire scores rages from 0 to 23 points, where higher scores mean a greater presence and severity of stimuli and triggers of cough and sensations in the larynx.

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks after (post-intervention) and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

  7. Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

    HADS is an easy-to-use scale that is subdivided into two domains (anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms). Their score varies from 0 to 21 in each subdomain, where a score between 0 and 7 is considered 'normal', between 8 and 10 indicates a "mild" level, between 11 and 14 a "moderate" level, and between 15 and 21 "severe" levels of anxiety and depression symptoms.

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks after (post-intervention) and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

  8. Change in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue Scale (FACIT-FS)

    FACIT-FS assesses fatigue where a higher score translates into lower fatigue. This scale is commonly used in the ILD population to assess fatigue, presenting good reliability and feasibility.

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks after (post-intervention) and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

  9. Change in King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (K-BILD)

    K-BILD will be used to assess health related quality of life. This scale encompasses three domains: psychological, dyspnoea, activities, and respiratory symptoms where higher scores define a high health related quality of life.

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks after (post-intervention) and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

  10. Interviews

    Participants will be invited to take part in face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews the impact of both interventions (control and experimental group).

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at baseline and 7 weeks after (post-intervention)

  11. Adherence to the COUGH-LESS programme

    Participants' number of sessions attended to the intervention will be registered.

    Measured: Only one measurement will be assessed after 7 weeks after baseline (post-intervention).

  12. Occurrence of adverse events

    The occurrence of adverse events in participants will be registered according to CTCAE v4.0.

    Measured: One measurement will be assessed at 7 weeks after baseline (post-intervention) and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted20 Jan 2025
  2. Study start20 Dec 2027 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion30 Dec 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Jul 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06782893
Sponsor's protocol ID
2023.01387.BDANA
Other IDs
2023
Acronym
COUGH-LESS
Status last verified
Jul 2024
First submitted
30 Jul 2024
Last updated
20 Jan 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Healthy lifestyle in people with Interstitial Lung Disease and Chronic Cough, run by Aveiro University at 1 site in Portugal.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Jan 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Portugal. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Ana L Oliveira, PhD (00351913937469, alao@ua.pt), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) (time frame: One measurement will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks after interventions and 3 and 6 months after the intervention.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Jan 2025.

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