Cigarette smoking is the major environmental risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. However, inherited factors may also influence the susceptibility to develop COPD, especially in people who are in their 30’s and 40’s with severe COPD. We are looking to enroll these young people and their families to identify these inherited factors. If we can identify such genetic factors, improved understanding of the causes of COPD would result, which may lead to new opportunities for treatment.

For our research study, we are recruiting men and women under age 53 with severe COPD.

The study involves one home visit lasting approximately two hours, which includes pulmonary function testing, a questionnaire, mouth swabs, urine sample and a blood draw.

Participants will receive $50 for their time.

If you are interested, or have further questions, please call our toll free number 1-866-328-9494 extension 2, or e-mail us at EOCOPD.study@channing.harvard.edu.

Institution  –  MGH - Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; BWH - Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA

Principal Investigator  – Edwin Silverman, MD, PhD

  

For further information about enrolling a patient in this trial, contact the person below.

Name  – Leif Skjerli

Phone  – 617-525-2756