| Authors | Currow, D. Watts, G. J. Johnson, M. McDonald, C. F. Miners, J. O. Somogyi, A. A. Denehy, L. McCaffrey, N. Eckert, D. J. McCloud, P. Louw, S. Lam, L. Greene, A. Fazekas, B. Clark, K. C. Fong, K. Agar, M. R. Joshi, R. Kilbreath, S. Ferreira, D. Ekstrom, M. |
|---|---|
| Type | Protocol |
| Journal | BMJ Open |
| Year of Publication | 2017 |
| URL | http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/7/e018100 |
| DOI | http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018100 |
| Download |  e018100full_.pdf (347.6 KB) |
| Abstract | Introduction Chronic breathlessness is highly prevalent and distressing to patients and families. No medication is registered for its symptomatic reduction. The strongest evidence is for regular, low-dose, extended- release (ER) oral morphine. A recent large phase III study suggests the subgroup most likely to benefit have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and modified Medical Research Council breathlessness scores of 3 or 4. This protocol is for an adequately powered, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled, multisite, factorial, block-randomised study evaluating regular ER morphine for chronic breathlessness in people with COPD. Methods and analysis The primary question is what effect regular ER morphine has on worst breathlessness, measured daily on a 0-10 numerical rating scale. Uniquely, the coprimary outcome will use a FitBit to measure habitual physical activity. Secondary questions include safety and, whether upward titration after initial benefit delivers greater net symptom reduction. Substudies include longitudinal driving simulation, sleep, caregiver, health economic and pharmacogenetic studies. Seventeen centres will recruit 171 participants from respiratory and palliative care. The study has five phases including three randomisation phases to increasing doses of ER morphine. All participants will receive placebo or active laxatives as appropriate. Appropriate statistical analysis of primary and secondary outcomes will be used. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval has been obtained. Results of the study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, findings presented at relevant conferences and potentially used to inform registration of ER morphine for chronic breathlessness. Trial registration number NCT02720822; Pre-results. |
http://www.ibas.org.au/what-we-do/publications/3872938
Motor neurone disease (MND) causes the body's muscles to weaken. Breathing muscle weakness means that most people affected by MND will eventually lose the ability to take a deep breath and cough strongly....
RESPIRATORY BIOMARKERS IN MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE
The inability to breathe is unfortunately the most common cause of death in people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Last year, our clinical research group in Melbourne reported that breathing...
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing is abnormal during sleep. There are two main forms of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. For obstructive sleep apnea, breathing is reduced because the airway...
ResearchFest 2026 at Austin Health launched new research flagships and honored Professor Mark Howard (Distinguished Scientist) and Professor Eliza Hawkes (Women in Research Award), with insights from Peter Doherty.
We are announcing exciting updates to our Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) representation at the Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS). The MSRC extend a warm thank you to Charissa Zaga and welcome Jessica Manousakis!
ANZSRS LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR DANNY BRAZZALE
Danny Brazzale has earned a prestigious ANZSRS Life Membership—held by only 11 people—for his global leadership and dedicated mentorship in respiratory science.
PERTH HIGHLIGHTS: TSANZSRS 2026
A huge congratulations to all our team members who participated in the excellent workshops and meetings at the TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting in Perth in March 2026! Well Done!
© 2026 Institute for Breathing and Sleep. All Rights Reserved. ABN 39 093 685 879
Powered by Helmut Design | Manage
