INFLIXIMAB FOR TREATMENT OF COPD - A PILOT STUDY

本子项目是利用由NIH/NCRR资助的中心赠款提供的资源的众多研究子项目之一。子项目和研究者（PI）可能已经从另一个NIH来源获得了主要资金，因此可以在其他CRISP条目中表示。列出的机构是中心的，不一定是研究者的机构。慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）是吸烟的一种毁灭性并发症。除了严重的肺功能问题外，有证据表明炎症在导致COPD致残中起着重要作用。慢性阻塞性肺病的炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子α (TNFa)升高可能导致严重的体重减轻、肌肉无力和消瘦。这些发现是COPD患者的一个严重征兆。我们将对12名COPD患者进行一项试点研究，使用一种名为英夫利昔单抗的药物，这是一种针对tnf - α的抗体。我们将监测不良事件和一些可能表明临床改善的结果。这些指标包括肺功能、肌肉力量、运动表现、身体成分和生活质量。从这项试点研究中收集的数据将用于设计一项随机临床试验，在更大的患者群体中研究一种新的COPD治疗方法。

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a devasting complication of cigarette smoking. In addition to severe problems in lung function, there is evidence that inflammation plays a major role in leading to disability in COPD. Elevation of an inflammatory factor in COPD, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa), could cause severe weight loss, muscle weakness and wasting. These findings are a grave sign in COPD patients. We will be performing a pilot study on 12 COPD patients using a drug called infliximab, an antibody against TNF-alpha. We will be monitoring adverse events and a number of outcomes that could indicate clinical improvement. These include lung function, muscle strength, exercise performance, body composition, and quality of life. Data gathered from this pilot study will be used to design a randomized clinical trial of a novel new therapy for COPD in a larger group of patients.