New therapy research in Aachen: High-flow therapy for COPD patients
New therapy research in Aachen: High-flow therapy for COPD patients
In medicine, the development of new therapy approaches is crucial in order to meet the needs of patients. At this point, the RWTH Aachen University Hospital, which has now been commissioned to carry out two important clinical studies. These examinations, which focus on the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and different types of chronic respiratory insufficiency, should provide valuable findings for the future therapy and improvement of the quality of life of those affected.The responsibility of the University Hospital RWTH Aachen
The medical clinic V of the University Hospital RWTH Aachen, under the direction of Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Michael Dreher takes on the role of an independent scientific institution (UWI). Their tasks include the creation of the study protocols, obtaining the necessary permits from authorities and ethics commissions. Another central aspect is the selection of suitable study centers and the recruitment of patients who are supposed to participate in the studies.
background of the studies
The reason for the implementation of these studies is the fact that in some cases the medical necessity or the benefits of new treatment methods are not sufficiently researched. For this reason, a procedure for testing new examination and treatment methods was launched in 2012, which enables it to systematically test therapeutic approaches and to evaluate their effectiveness. The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has set the framework conditions for the studies in order to ultimately be able to make well-founded decisions.
A look at the high-flow therapy
High-flow therapy (HFT) is tested in these studies and is intended to offer patients improved breathing support. Here, the participants receive heated room air via a nasal probe, which can be enriched with additional oxygen. The HFT is mainly used for several hours and can even be carried out independently at home. This form of therapy could be significant progress in the treatment of respiratory diseases.
study goals and their importance
Two studies are planned: In Study 1, it is examined whether the HFT is more advantageous than the exclusive LTOT in combination with long-term oxygen therapy (Ltot). In study 2, the HFT is compared with non -invasive ventilation in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency type 2. These studies could not only revolutionize the associated therapies, but also provide important impulses for the quality of life of those affected.FAZIT
The initiatives at the RWTH Aachen University Hospital are a significant step to test new therapy options for people with complex respiratory diseases. The well -founded scientific support of the studies will ensure that the results represent a valuable foundation for future standards in respiratory therapy. This could not only improve medical care in the long term, but also change the life of the patients positively.