Novel Use of Combined High-Speed Video Microscopy and Nasal Nitric Oxide Screening for Identification of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in Adult Bronchiectasis

Researching Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in Adult Bronchiectasis

M
Mike Davis

Primary Investigator

Enrolling By Invitation
18 years or above
All
Phase N/A
1 participants needed
5 Locations

Brief description of study

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by irreversible airway damage and recurrent infection, and many patients remain without an identifiable cause even after standard testing. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a genetic disorder that causes bronchiectasis due to defecttive mucus clearance in the lungs, is substantially underdiagnosed in adult bronchiectasis patients based on recent genetic sutdies. Identifying unrecognized PCD in adult bronchiectasis patients is essential because it would enable more precise clinical management, guide genetic counseling, and ensure timely access to future therapies, all of which motivate the need for this study.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - All subjects who will be approached for participation in this trial will be patients from the practice of one of the investigators (Dr. Cynthia Brown) or another physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine. This will include patients seen at both Indiana University Health Facilities, as well as Eskenazi Health. A patient will only be approached for study participation after the physician who has a treatment relationship with the patient (which may or may not be the PI) has given permission. Recruitment will occur during scheduled outpatient visits in the IU Health Adult Pulmonology clinics, where potentially eligible patients are approached only after their treating clinician has identified them as appropriate for contact.

Detailed description of study

Nasal passage brush samples will be obtained. Subjects may participate multiple times, particularly if issues arise with specimen processing, providing the same type of sample, but each time they participate, they will need to sign a new informed consent form. All study procedures will take place within clinical and research spaces at Indiana University that are routinely used for pulmonary research and diagnostic evaluation. 

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Bronchiectasis
  • Age: 18 years or above
  • Gender: All


Inclusion Criteria 
Adults (≥18) with CT-confirmed bronchiectasis

Exclusion Criteria 
Pre-existing diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
Pre-existing diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia 
Inability to perform testing
Refusal of consent 

This study investigates a possible genetic disorder called Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) in adults with bronchiectasis, a lung disease where the airways are damaged and infected repeatedly. PCD happens when tiny structures called cilia, which move mucus out of the lungs, do not work right. This can lead to mucus buildup and lung problems. The study aims to find out how common PCD is in these patients.

Participants will have samples taken from their nasal passages using a brush. These samples will help researchers learn more about PCD. If there are problems with the samples, participants may need to provide new ones. All study procedures will be done at Indiana University in areas used for lung research.

  • Who can participate: Adults aged 18 and older with bronchiectasis confirmed by a CT scan can participate. However, those with a pre-existing diagnosis of cystic fibrosis or primary ciliary dyskinesia, or those unable to perform testing or refusing consent, cannot join.
  • Study details: Participants will provide nasal passage samples, which may be required multiple times if issues arise with the samples. Each time they participate, they must sign a new consent form.
Updated on 20 Apr 2026. Study ID: PPUL-IIR-PCD-IDIOPATHIC, 29887
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Interested in the study?

This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Accepting Referrals by Invitation Only