NCT02048969

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to test feasibility of measuring flumazenil-induced changes in cortical GABA levels observed with localized 1H-MRS in relation to changes in severity of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in subjects with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis. This study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over design.

Trial Health

30
At Risk

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Trial has exceeded expected completion date
Timeline
Completed

Started Jun 2014

Typical duration for phase_1

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
withdrawn

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

January 27, 2014

Completed
2 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

January 29, 2014

Completed
4 months until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

June 1, 2014

Completed
3.3 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

October 1, 2017

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

October 1, 2017

Completed
Last Updated

July 7, 2020

Status Verified

July 1, 2020

Enrollment Period

3.3 years

First QC Date

January 27, 2014

Last Update Submit

July 3, 2020

Conditions

Keywords

hepatic encephalopathyflumazenilliver cirrhosis

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • hepatic encephalopathy symptoms

    To assess flumazenil-induced changes in cortical GABA levels, observed with localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) using a 4-Tesla imaging spectrometer in relation to changes in hepatic encephalopathy. MRS is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows examination of metabolic changes and biochemical information about the target brain tissues without the need for a biopsy. Hepatic encephalopathy will be measured using neuropsychological tests. These tests include Benton scoring, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test trials and delayed recall and recognition trials, Smith symbol digits, simple auditory sustained attention continuous performance test, digit span sequencing, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III symbol search, cancellation tasks, line orientation, serial 3s subtraction, Hooper visual orientation test, Trail Making Tests A \& B, and orientation retest. Variables will be transformed so that higher scores indicate better cognitive function.

    one year

Secondary Outcomes (2)

  • hepatic encephalopathy symptoms

    one year

  • flumazenil impact on functional MRI

    one year

Study Arms (2)

Flumazenil

EXPERIMENTAL

A priming dose bolus of 0.4 mg of flumazenil will be administered intravenously (Minute 0). At this time the 1H-MRS scan will begin. Over the next 6 minutes, a drip infusion of flumazenil will be administered to the patient at a rate of 0.1 mg flumazenil per minute for a total of 7 doses during the scan. Total dose will be 1.0 mg.

Drug: Flumazenil

Saline

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

A priming dose bolus of 0.4 mg of placebo will be administered intravenously (Minute 0). At this time the 1H-MRS scan will begin. Over the next 6 minutes, a drip infusion of placebo mixed with saline will be administered to the patient at a rate of 0.1 mg per minute for a total of 7 doses during the scan. Total dose will be 1.0 mg.

Drug: Placebo

Interventions

A priming dose bolus of 0.4 mg of flumazenil will be administered intravenously (Minute 0). At this time the 1H-MRS scan will begin. Over the next 6 minutes, a drip infusion of placebo mixed with saline will be administered to the patient at a rate of 0.1 mg per minute for a total of 7 doses during the scan. Total dose will be 1.0 mg.

Also known as: Romazicon
Flumazenil

A priming dose bolus of 0.4 mg of placebo will be administered intravenously (Minute 0). At this time the 1H-MRS scan will begin. Over the next 6 minutes, a drip infusion of placebo mixed with saline will be administered to the patient at a rate of 0.1 mg per minute for a total of 7 doses during the scan. Total dose will be 1.0 mg.

Saline

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 99 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Age: 18 and older
  • ICD-9 diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy
  • Ability to feel comfortable in confined areas (like MRI)
  • Ability to provide informed consent
  • Speaks fluent English without any communication barriers
  • Reliable family member or friend able to stay with participant during abstinence from HE medication prior to visit.

You may not qualify if:

  • Current DSM-IV-R diagnosis of Alcohol or Other Drug Abuse or Dependence
  • Positive screen for alcohol abuse as determined by the CAGE questionnaire
  • Positive urine toxicity screen for benzodiazepine medications or illicit drugs
  • History of long-term use of benzodiazepine medications
  • Current use of non-benzodiazepine agonist medications
  • History of Panic Disorder
  • History of any Psychotic Disorder
  • History of seizures and/or Seizure Disorder
  • History of dysrhythmia, cardiovascular collapse, or recent head trauma
  • History of side effects from anticholinergic medications
  • History of cyclic antidepressant overdose or poisoning
  • Pregnant or nursing
  • Resides in nursing home or other long-term care facility

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Yale Psychological Medicine Research Center

New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Hepatic EncephalopathyLiver Cirrhosis

Interventions

Flumazenil

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Liver FailureHepatic InsufficiencyLiver DiseasesDigestive System DiseasesBrain Diseases, MetabolicBrain DiseasesCentral Nervous System DiseasesNervous System DiseasesMetabolic DiseasesNutritional and Metabolic DiseasesFibrosisPathologic ProcessesPathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

BenzodiazepinonesBenzodiazepinesBenzazepinesHeterocyclic Compounds, 2-RingHeterocyclic Compounds, Fused-RingHeterocyclic Compounds

Study Officials

  • Hochang B Lee, MD

    Yale University

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
0

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
phase 1
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
DOUBLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR
Purpose
BASIC SCIENCE
Intervention Model
CROSSOVER
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

January 27, 2014

First Posted

January 29, 2014

Study Start

June 1, 2014

Primary Completion

October 1, 2017

Study Completion

October 1, 2017

Last Updated

July 7, 2020

Record last verified: 2020-07

Locations