Genetic Epidemiology of Severe, Early-Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often caused by cigarette smoking, but genetic predisposition also influences COPD susceptibility. The purpose of this study is to identify genetic factors that predispose some individuals to develop COPD.
Description
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is the third leading cause of death in the United States, affects millions of people around the world. COPD, which can include both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, affects the lungs making it very difficult to breathe. Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for developing COPD; however, only 15% to 20% of smokers develop COPD in their lifetimes. The onset of COPD also varies greatly from person to person; while some people do not develop respiratory symptoms until later in life, there are others who develop severe COPD at a very e…
Eligibility
- Age range
- Not specified
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria for Early-Onset COPD Probands: * Early onset of COPD in individuals younger than 53 years old * Spirometry results that are indicative of severe COPD (FEV1 \< 40% predicted) * Physician-diagnosed COPD Exclusion Criteria for Early-Onset COPD Probands: * Severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency * Other chronic lung diseases in participants with COPD (except asthma) * Pregnant * Any previous lung surgery including lung transplant or lung reduction volume surgery (LVRS); unless prior Pulmonary Function Tests are available
Location
- Brigham and Women's HospitalBoston, Massachusetts