Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (UIP/NSIP/Mixed) Circulatory System Pulmonary fibrosis
Conditions
Interventions
Investigations prior to selection and randomisation:
All selected patients underwent baseline investigations before entry. This included:
1. Arterial gases at rest (on air)
2. Pulmonary function tests
using identical placebo tablets and labelling to ensure all treatment packs were identical.
Drug Treatment:
Co-trimoxazole or identical placebo (480 mg) tablets were supplied with dosage according to
Sponsors
The Peel Trust Fund (UK)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Male or female below 85 years old 2. Demonstrated breathlessness with oxygen desaturation below 90% on two baseline shuttle walking tests (SWT) 3. Physical examination, HRCT scan and pulmonary function test results compatible with IPF (with or without histological diagnosis) 4. New diagnosis of IPF without treatment or previous diagnosis on regular daily prednisolone 5. Symptoms of exertional dyspnoea affecting life quality 6. Normal glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels to avoid drug induced haemolysis. Normal vitamin B12 levels
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Recognised secondary causes of pulmonary fibrosis 2. Co-trimoxazole allergy or severe upper GI symptoms 3. Abnormal liver function tests or concurrent drug treatments that disturb liver function including azathioprine 4. Inability to perform the shuttle test due to musculoskeletal or cardiac causes
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Exercise capacity (shuttle walking test) with area under the curve oxygen desaturation | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Respiratory function tests (FVC, TLC, DLCO) 2. Arterial oxygen measurements 3. Quality of life data 4. Benefit of pulmonary rehabilitation Twenty patients were selected. | — |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed