Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Clinical Trials?

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an immune system disorder triggered when the patient is exposed to allergens such as microorganisms, proteins, and chemicals. The disease causes the lungs to be inflamed, which makes it harder for the patient to breathe. Only about 5% of patients with the disease develop chronic forms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Treatment for most cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis is by identifying the allergen that triggered the condition and avoiding it. Some cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis may cause pulmonary fibrosis due to prolonged exposure to the allergen. More hypersensitivity pneumonitis clinical trials are needed to help identify its risk factors, prevention strategies, and side-effect-free medications.

Why Is Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis clinical trials are focused on advancing our understanding of the condition and its risk factors. Researchers have identified nearly 300 substances that are known for causing hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Doctors are also interested in the specific reactions to the allergens that trigger hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Over the past decades, the increased allergic reactions in industrialized countries have also contributed to research in this area.

What Are The Types of Treatments Available For Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?

Treatment for hypersensitivity pneumonitis involves identifying and removing the allergen that has triggered the condition and taking anti-inflammatory medication. If the patient inhales the allergen, doctors will try to recognize and remove it to restore normal lung function. Prompt removal of the allergen can reverse lung inflammation in acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

However, patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis may be asked to make lifestyle changes, such as moving to a new home or workplace. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. The most common of these is effective prednisone.

Alternatives to prednisone include cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate, usually prescribed if the patient requires long-term medication or doesn’t tolerate prednisone. Finally, doctors may develop a structured exercise program for patients with chronic lung disease to manage chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?

The following studies helped researchers learn more about hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

2019 - Pirfenidone on Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: This clinical trial investigated pirfenidone’s use in treating chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It included 22 patients in two groups. Group 1 received prednisone and azathioprine, and Group 2 received prednisone. Azathioprine, and pirfenidone. After one year of treatment, the group that received pirfenidone did not demonstrate any clinically relevant baseline characteristics. However, it did conclude that treating pirfenidone may improve the outcome of the safety profile.

2021 - Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in Children: This clinical trial investigated hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and the consequences of not treating the condition. The trial assessed the outcome of HP in children after six months of treatment and compared it with three months of treatment with prednisolone and a placebo. The study was terminated prematurely, but it found that children with prednisolone and placebo showed similar results.