American Heart Association- Stroke/Hypoxia Study

Stroke Clinical Trial

Official title:

An Exploration of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia as a Tool to Enhance Neural Recovery in Stroke Survivors; a Pilot Safety Study.

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Active, not recruiting

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT04019522
• Other study ID #: STU: 00208610
• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: July 15, 2019
• Est. completion date: March 1, 2024

Study information

• Verified date: October 2023
• Source: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

Of the 795,000 people who experience a stroke every year in the US, only a small percentage will achieve full recovery. While current therapies promote strength and endurance, none directly address the unique potential of the brain to reorganize following injury. The goal of this project is to explore the effects of a novel therapy, acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH). During this therapy, individuals receive brief bouts of reduced oxygen levels by inhalation through a face mask. (This is akin to being on top of a tall mountain). In brief exposures, AIH is known to trigger the release of specific proteins that help the brain adapt to oxygen reductions. Published results in people with incomplete spinal cord injury have shown that AIH enhances muscle strength and coordination rather quickly. The research team aims to study the effects of AIH in stroke survivors.

Description:

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Despite the spontaneous recovery that occurs following a hemispheric stroke, more than half of stroke patients show substantial residual impairments, imposing a significant human and economic burden. This burden is likely to increase in coming decades, due to a rapidly aging population, and the associated progression of cardiovascular risk factors. Accordingly, new interventions to alleviate impairment in stroke survivors are urgently needed. The development and testing of one such novel intervention, termed Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH), is the primary focus of this AHA Innovative Project Award.

The aim is to answer questions related to safety and preliminary efficacy of AIH in stroke survivors. First, the Investigators will establish whether brief reductions in inhaled oxygen concentration can be safely tolerated in stroke survivors. A clinician will closely monitor subjects for any adverse events.

The second aim is to establish the effects of AIH on elbow flexion/extension strength, and on hand grip and pinch strength. Subjects will be monitored closely for any adverse events during these experiments. Data will be analyzed to determine if there is an improvement in key outcomes at any dose level.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Enrollment: 12
• Est. completion date: March 1, 2024
• Est. primary completion date: February 1, 2022
• Accepts healthy volunteers: No
• Gender: All
• Age group: 18 Years and older

Eligibility

Inclusion criteria:

Age =18 years;

A first time, unilateral, ischemic, hemispheric stroke, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);

Chedoke assessment > 3

Ability to open and close affected hand

Able to understand and communicate in English

Be able to consent independently

= 6 months post stroke

Must have a hemoglobin level above 10g/dl (to be confirmed using handheld noninvasive lab equipment)

Must have ability to attend research visits with a companion for assistance

WOCBP must be comfortable confirming negative pregnancy prior to hypoxia experimental therapy.

Exclusion criteria:

Brain stem or cerebellar stroke; mean Fazekas score rated on initial fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI =3

Severe aphasia, preventing subject from understanding the protocol and giving written consent;

History of prior neurological disorder;

Pre-existing hypoxic pulmonary disease,

Severe hypertension (>160/100)

Ischemic cardiac disease.

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Hypoxia
• Stroke

Intervention

Other:
• Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH)
An oxygen monitor will continuously measure and record the fraction of inspired oxygen delivered to the subject. Inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) of the gas mixture will be individually adjusted using the valve settings to reach the targeted SpO2. The gas mixtures administered during the four sessions will be 21% O2 (target SpO2 = 95%), 17% O2 (target SpO2 = 92%), 13% O2 (target SpO2 = 87%) and 9% O2 (target SpO2 = 82%).

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
United States	Shirley Ryan AbilityLab	Chicago	Illinois

Sponsors (1)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Country where clinical trial is conducted

United States, 

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Clinical/neurological status over the duration of the study	All adverse events will be reviewed for safety and study continuation by the medical monitor.	6 days
Secondary	National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)	is a tool used by healthcare providers to objectively quantify the impairment caused by a stroke. The NIHSS is composed of 11 items, each of which scores a specific ability between a 0 and 4. For each item, a score of 0 typically indicates normal function in that specific ability, while a higher score is indicative of some level of impairment. The individual scores from each item are summed in order to calculate a patient's total NIHSS score ranging from 0-42.	6 days
Secondary	Fugl- Meyer Assessment	Each test element will be graded on a 3-point ordinal scale and summed up to provide a maximum upper limb score of 66. Reliability and validity have been demonstrated. The FMA will be administered while the subject is seated.	6 days
Secondary	Modified Ashworth Scale	This scale allows for characterization of increases in muscle tone, from low or normal tone to complete limb rigidity. Specifically, we will evaluate the elbow flexors, bilaterally	6 days
Secondary	Grip strength	A dynamometer measures maximum gross grasp (lb.) averaged over three attempts with each hand. The minimum possible value of zero lb. will be assigned when the participant cannot actively flex the fingers or grasp the dynamometer. Completed bilaterally, if possible	6 days
Secondary	Pinch Strength	Hydraulic Handheld Dynamometer): A dynamometer measures maximum gross grasp (lb.) averaged over 3 attempts with each hand. The minimum possible value of zero lb. will be assigned when the participant cannot actively flex the fingers or grasp the dynamometer.	6 days
Secondary	Elbow strength	monitoring changes in isometric elbow flexion force using a dynamometer. A total of three trials will be taken on each side, with a rest break between trials. The average of the three trials will be recorded.	6 days
Secondary	D-KEFS Color-Word Interference Test	A neuropsychological measure that seeks to evaluate attention and inhibition. Subjects will be asked to read words or name ink colors as quickly as possible within a given time limit. The test supplies the examiner with three separate scores, including an ability to calculate an interference score. This final score allows for interpretation of cognitive flexibility, creativity and cognitive stress. This measure will be utilized to monitor subjects throughout their participation at specific time-points. Audio recording may be taken to ensure accurate recording of responses	6 days
Secondary	5 minute neurological test	Quick short tests to assess clinical status	6 days