What Research is Being Done?

A study is underway at Duke University Medical Center to find the cause of familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF).  Specifically, it will attempt to determine if certain genes are associated with the development of pulmonary fibrosis.  Family members of people with pulmonary fibrosis are screened with a questionnaire, chest X-ray and a breathing test to determine if they currently have fibrosis.  Everyone is then divided up into those with fibrosis and those without.  A sample of DNA is isolated from a blood specimen. Alternatively, DNA can be obtained from cheek cells which are obtained with a swab, like a Q-tip, rubbed on the inside of the cheek.  Then the DNA from those with fibrosis is compared with the DNA from those without fibrosis to see if there are any significant differences.

There are no costs to study participants.  All information will be kept confidential

Each participant will be asked to:

	Complete a questionnaire about your health history.
	Perform a test to determine your lungs' ability to absorb oxygen.
	Have a chest x-ray taken.
	Submit a blood sample for study of genetic material (DNA)

Eligibility Criteria

The only requirement for this study is to have at least 2 members of your family diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). (You may be included in this number)

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Any family with more than one person who has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis of unknown cause that would be interested in participating in this study is encouraged to contact us either by an online form or using our toll free number:

Click Here To Contact Us Online

(This method allows you to submit to us contact information in a secure and confidential manner.)

or

Call our study coordinator Aretha Herron, R.N. toll free at:

1-877-587-4411

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