Metformin in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2014-05-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a tablet medication, called metformin, in flare-ups (exacerbations) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The investigators believe that metformin may effectively control the blood sugar level during COPD exacerbations. This is important because there is evidence that a high blood sugar level during exacerbations may be linked with a worse prognosis. The investigators also think that metformin may have other potentially useful effects on inflammation, antioxidant levels, the effectiveness of steroid treatment, and recovery.

• Phase: Phase 4
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: St George's, University of London
• Collaborators: British Lung Foundation; Medical Research Council
• Treatments: Metformin

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of COPD

• Hospitalisation for exacerbation of COPD

• Age ≥35 years

• Expected to remain in hospital for at least 48 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus requiring insulin or oral hypoglycaemic therapy

• Hypersensitivity to metformin hydrochloride or to any of the excipients

• Renal impairment

• Severe sepsis

• Metabolic acidosis

• Decompensated type 2 respiratory failure

• Severe congestive cardiac failure

• Acute coronary syndrome

• Hepatic insufficiency

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Malnourished or at high risk for malnutrition

• Moribund or not for active treatment

• Admitted to critical care unit

• Unable to give informed consent

• Pregnancy or lactation