Clinical Trial: The Significance of Defensin Alpha 4 in the Pathophysiology of the Adrenal Insufficiency in Inflammatory Lung Diseases

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: The Significance of Defensin Alpha 4 in the Pathophysiology of the Adrenal Insufficiency in Inflammatory Lung Diseases

Brief Summary: The pathophysiology of the adrenal insufficiency of patients with critical diseases remains unclear. In a prior exploratory study investigating patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the investigators demonstrated a highly significant correlation between the expression level of Defensin-alpha 4 (DEFA4) mRNA in blood and the adrenal function assessed via low-dose ACTH tests. The aim of this prospective study is to demonstrate that DEFA4 measured both at the mRNA level (RT-PCR) and at the protein level (Western blot/Elisa) is a reliable biomarker for the prediction of adrenal insufficiency in inflammatory lung diseases (patients with COPD and pneumonia).

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen

Current Primary Outcome:

Original Primary Outcome:

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen

Dates:
Date Received: October 5, 2012
Date Started: January 2013
Date Completion:
Last Updated: October 9, 2012
Last Verified: October 2012