scholarly journals Sodium selenate as a disease-modifying treatment for progressive supranuclear palsy: protocol for a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e055019
Author(s):  
Lucy Vivash ◽  
Kelly L Bertram ◽  
Charles B Malpas ◽  
Cassandra Marotta ◽  
Ian H Harding ◽  
...  

IntroductionProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which there are currently no disease-modifying therapies. The neuropathology of PSP is associated with the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain. We have previously shown that protein phosphatase 2 activity in the brain is upregulated by sodium selenate, which enhances dephosphorylation. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium selenate as a disease-modifying therapy for PSP.Methods and analysisThis will be a multi-site, phase 2b, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sodium selenate. 70 patients will be recruited at six Australian academic hospitals and research institutes. Following the confirmation of eligibility at screening, participants will be randomised (1:1) to receive 52 weeks of active treatment (sodium selenate; 15 mg three times a day) or matching placebo. Regular safety and efficacy visits will be completed throughout the study period. The primary study outcome is change in an MRI volume composite (frontal lobe+midbrain–3rd ventricle) over the treatment period. Analysis will be with a general linear model (GLM) with the MRI composite at 52 weeks as the dependent variable, treatment group as an independent variable and baseline MRI composite as a covariate. Secondary outcomes are change in PSP rating scale, clinical global impression of change (clinician) and change in midbrain mean diffusivity. These outcomes will also be analysed with a GLM as above, with the corresponding baseline measure entered as a covariate. Secondary safety and tolerability outcomes are frequency of serious adverse events, frequency of down-titration occurrences and frequency of study discontinuation. Additional, as yet unplanned, exploratory outcomes will include analyses of other imaging, cognitive and biospecimen measures.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Alfred Health Ethics Committee (594/20). Each participant or their legally authorised representative and their study partner will provide written informed consent at trial commencement. The results of the study will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620001254987).

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e040100
Author(s):  
Lucy Vivash ◽  
Charles B Malpas ◽  
Leonid Churilov ◽  
Mark Walterfang ◽  
Amy Brodtmann ◽  
...  

IntroductionBehavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a neurodegenerative disorder often neuropathologically associated with the accumulation of abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau, for which there is currently no disease-modifying treatment. Previous work by our group has shown sodium selenate upregulates the activity of protein phosphatase 2 in the brain, increasing the rate of tau dephosphorylation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium selenate as a disease-modifying treatment for bvFTD.Methods and analysisThis will be a multisite, phase IIb, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of sodium selenate. One hundred and twenty participants will be enrolled across 4 Australian academic hospitals. Following screening eligible participants will be randomised (1:1) to sodium selenate (15 mg three times a day) or placebo for 52 weeks. Participants will have regular safety and efficacy visits throughout the study period. The primary study outcome will be percentage brain volume change (PBVC) as measured on MRI over 52 weeks of treatment. This will be analysed with a general linear model (analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)) with the PBVC as an output, the treatment as an input and the baseline brain volume as covariate for adjustment purposes. Secondary outcomes include safety and tolerability measures, and efficacy measures; change in cerebrospinal fluid total-tau, Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III and Cambridge Behavioural Inventory-Revised scores over the 52 weeks of treatment. These will also be analysed with ANCOVA where the corresponding baseline measure will be incorporated in the model. Additional exploratory outcomes will include other imaging, cognitive and biospecimen analyses.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Human Research and Ethics Committee of the lead site as part of the Australian Multisite Ethics approval system. The results of the study will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12620000236998 .


2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 450-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vandana S. Mathur ◽  
Jayant Kumar ◽  
Paul W. Crawford ◽  
Howard Hait ◽  
Thomas Sciascia ◽  
...  

Background: Pruritus is a distressing hallmark of the uremic condition, affecting approximately 60% of hemodialysis patients. Abnormal endogenous opioid ligand activity at μ and κ-opioid receptors has been postulated as a mechanism in uremic pruritus. Nalbuphine is a μ-opioid antagonist and κ-opioid agonist. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 373 hemodialysis patients with moderate or severe uremic pruritus were randomized in a 1: 1:1 ratio to nalbuphine extended-release tablets 120 mg (NAL 120), 60 mg (NAL 60), or placebo and treated for 8 weeks. Three hundred seventy-one were analyzed for efficacy. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to treatment weeks 7 and 8 in itching intensity on a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS, 0 [no itching]; 10 [worst possible itching]) using an intent-to-treat approach. The aim was to evaluate the safety and antipruritic efficacy of NAL. Results: The mean duration of itching was 3.2 years. From a baseline NRS of 6.9 (1.5), the mean NRS declined by 3.5 (2.4) and by 2.8 (2.2) in NAL 120 mg and the placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.017). There was no evidence of tolerance. A trend for less sleep disruption due to itching (p = 0.062, NAL 120 vs. placebo) was also observed. There were no significant differences between NAL 60 vs. placebo. Serious adverse events occurred in 6.7, 12.7, and 15.4% in the NAL 120, NAL 60, and placebo groups respectively. Conclusions: In this largest-to-date randomized controlled trial in uremic pruritus, NAL 120 durably and significantly reduced the itching intensity among hemodialysis patients.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 3-5
Author(s):  
Richard H. Weisler

This discussion reviews data from two 3-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal trials of carbamazepine extended release capsules (CBZ ERC; SPD417.301 and SPD417.304); pooled results from these trials; data from a 3-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in lithium non-responders or non-tolerators (SPD417.302); and additional supportive data from a 6-month, open-label, extension trial (SPD417.303). In addition, information on a retrospective chart review of 600 adolescent and adult bipolar patients on CBZ ERC is presented.In the first large double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing CBZ ERC in acute mania, manic and mixed bipolar patients from multiple centers were hospitalized and all medications were discontinued. After reaching a stable baseline 2–5 days later, the patients were randomized to CBZ ERC (n=101; 59% with mixed states) or placebo (n=103; 47% with mixed states) for 3 weeks. An aggressive initial titration schedule was implemented, beginning with 200 mg BID and increased by 200 mg/day until good clinical response was achieved or the patient could not tolerate the dosage. Many patients were taking 1,200–1,600 mg/day by the end of week 1. Efficacy was assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). The Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) were also followed.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (S1) ◽  
pp. 3-5
Author(s):  
Richard H. Weisler

This discussion reviews data from two 3-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal trials of carbamazepine extended release capsules (CBZ ERC; SPD417.301 and SPD417.304); pooled results from these trials; data from a 3-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in lithium non-responders or non-tolerators (SPD417.302); and additional supportive data from a 6-month, open-label, extension trial (SPD417.303). In addition, information on a retrospective chart review of 600 adolescent and adult bipolar patients on CBZ ERC is presented.In the first large double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing CBZ ERC in acute mania, manic and mixed bipolar patients from multiple centers were hospitalized and all medications were discontinued. After reaching a stable baseline 2–5 days later, the patients were randomized to CBZ ERC (n=101; 59% with mixed states) or placebo (n=103; 47% with mixed states) for 3 weeks. An aggressive initial titration schedule was implemented, beginning with 200 mg BID and increased by 200 mg/day until good clinical response was achieved or the patient could not tolerate the dosage. Many patients were taking 1,200–1,600 mg/day by the end of week 1. Efficacy was assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). The Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) were also followed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malkanthi Evans ◽  
Ryan P. Salewski ◽  
Mary C. Christman ◽  
Stephanie-Anne Girard ◽  
Thomas A. Tompkins

AbstractBroad-spectrum antibiotic use can disrupt the gastrointestinal microbiota resulting in diarrhoea. Probiotics may be beneficial in managing this type of diarrhoea. The aim of this 10-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study was to investigate the effect ofLactobacillus helveticusR0052 andLactobacillus rhamnosusR0011 supplementation on antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in healthy adults. Subjects were randomised to receive 1 week of amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (875 mg/125 mg) once per day, plus a daily dose of 8×109colony-forming units of a multi-strain probiotic (n80) or placebo (n80). The probiotic or placebo intervention was maintained for 1 week after completion of the antibiotic. Primary study outcomes of consistency and frequency of bowel movements were not significantly different between the probiotic and placebo groups. The secondary outcomes of diarrhoea-like defecations, Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale scores, safety parameters and adverse events were not significantly different between the probiotic intervention and the placebo. Apost hocanalysis on the duration of diarrhoea-like defecations showed that probiotic intervention reduced the length of these events by 1 full day (probiotic, 2·70(sem0·36) d; placebo, 3·71 (sem0·36) d;P=0·037; effect size=0·52). In conclusion, this study provides novel evidence thatL. helveticusR0052 andL. rhamnosusR0011 supplementation significantly reduced the duration of diarrhoea-like defecations in healthy adults receiving antibiotics.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e017652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christelle Nguyen ◽  
Isabelle Boutron ◽  
Gabriel Baron ◽  
Emmanuel Coudeyre ◽  
Francis Berenbaum ◽  
...  

IntroductionOsteoarthritis (OA) pathophysiology is driven in part by joint inflammation. Resveratrol has in vitro anti-inflammatory properties. We aim to assess the efficacy of oral resveratrol for knee pain at 3 months in people with knee OA.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Overall, 164 individuals with knee OA fulfilling 1986 American College of Rheumatology criteria will be recruited in three tertiary care centres in France and randomised to receive oral resveratrol, 40 mg (two caplets) two times per day for 1 week, then 20 mg (one caplet) two times per day or a matching placebo for a total of 6 months. Randomisation will be centralised and stratified by centre. The allocation ratio of assignments will be 1:1. The primary outcome will be the mean change from baseline in knee pain on a self-administered 11-point pain Numeric Rating Scale at 3 months. Secondary outcomes will be the mean change in knee pain at 6 months, the function subscore of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index score, patient global assessment, proportion of responders according to the Osteoarthritis Research Society International–Outcome Measures in Rheumatology criteria at 3 and 6 months, and self-reported number of intra-articular injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid and consumption of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs since the last contact. Other interventions will be allowed and self-reported. Adherence will be monitored by capsule counts and a booklet and adverse events recorded at 3 and 6 months. Statisticians, treating physicians and participants will be blinded to the allocated treatment.Ethics and disseminationThe oral resveratrol in knee osteoarthritis (ARTHROL) trial has been authorised by theAgenceNationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santéand ethics were approved by theComité deProtection des Personnes Île-de-FranceIII. The findings of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated at conferences. The design of ARTHROL will warrant the translation of its findings into clinical practice.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT02905799. Pre-results. First received: 14 September 2016. Last updated: 16 September 2016. Status: not yet recruiting.


2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (16) ◽  
pp. 3443-3450 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Stone ◽  
P. D. Morrison ◽  
I. Koychev ◽  
F. Gao ◽  
T. J. Reilly ◽  
...  

BackgroundSodium nitroprusside (SNP) has been reported to rapidly reduce psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. This has the potential to revolutionize treatment for schizophrenia. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that SNP leads to a reduction in psychotic symptoms and an improvement in spatial working memory (SWM) performance in patients with schizophrenia.MethodThis was a single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial performed from 27 August 2014 to 10 February 2016 (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02176044). Twenty patients with schizophrenia aged 18–60 years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were recruited from psychiatric outpatient clinics in the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK. Baseline symptoms were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the 18-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS-18), and SWM was assessed using the CANTAB computerized test. Participants received either an infusion of SNP (0.5 μg/kg per min for 4 h) or placebo and were re-assessed for symptoms and SWM performance immediately after the infusion, and 4 weeks later.ResultsSNP did not lead to any reduction in psychotic symptoms or improvement in SWM performance compared to placebo.ConclusionsAlthough this study was negative, it is possible that the beneficial effects of SNP may occur in patients with a shorter history of illness, or with more acute exacerbation of symptoms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-341
Author(s):  
Thomas Eko Purwata ◽  
◽  
I Putu Eka Widyadharma ◽  
Made Rudy ◽  
Andreas Soejitno ◽  
...  

Objective. Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a prevalent debilitating consequence of diabetes mellitus with lack of satisfactory therapeutic options. Methylcobalamin (MeCbl) is one of vitamin B12 analogs with known neurotrophic effects. We aimed to determine if MeCbl can relieve PDN. Materials and methods. This was a randomized (1:1) double-blind placebo-controlled trial involving PDN patients. Treatment and control group received daily 12.5 mg oral amitriptyline bid with either 500 µg of intravenous MeCbl or saline injection given on alternating days, respectively, for a 9-consecutive day period. PDN was assessed with douleur neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) was used to monitor pain intensity and treatment response. All investigators and patients were kept blinded throughout the study period. Outcomes. 42 patients, 21 on each arm had completed the study. The NPRS reduction can already be observed as early as day 2 post-intervention. Both the treatment and control group demonstrated sustained reduction of NPRS by almost one point per each time point of evaluation in the first three days (p<0.001). NPRS reduction remained until the end of the study period. The treatment group had a significantly lower NPRS score by 1.29 than that of the control group during the entire study period (95% CI -1.84 – -0.75; p < 0.001). Treatment group experienced significantly higher NPRS reduction when compared with control (4.19±1.54 vs. 2.1± 0.83; 95% CI 1.32-2.87; p < 0.001), i.e. 62.6% from baseline. Conclusions. MeCbl significantly and safely relieved PDN in a relatively rapid onset.


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