Effects of Infliximab (Remicade) on Fat Free Mass in Patients With Moderate to Severe COPD Suffering From Cachexia

COPD Clinical Trial

Official title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Effects of Infliximab (Remicade) on Fat Free Mass in Patients With Moderate to Severe COPD Suffering From Cachexia

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether infliximab is effective on fat-free mass in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe COPD suffering from cachexia.

Clinical Trial Description

COPD is a multicomponent disease characterized by abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles that accompanied by systemic effects like weight loss, muscle wasting, reduced functional capacity and health status. A persistent systemic inflammatory response reflected by enhanced levels of acute phase proteins like C-reactive protein (CRP) or pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) - α, is present in COPD. There are several studies that indicate that an increased systemic inflammator response is associated with weight loss, cachexia (loss of fat-free muscle mass), physical functioning and health status.

Cachexia associated with systemivc inflammation can not always readily be overcome by nutritional intervention alone.

The hypothesis of this study is that infliximab therapy (3 infusions with 5 mg/kg infliximab or placebo 1:1 on week 0, 2 and 6) will increase fat-free mass relatively to placebo by decreasing inflammation. Secondary endpoints are: lung function, muscle function, exercise capacity and health status. On week 8, 12 and 26 follow-up measurements will be done. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double-Blind, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Cachexia
• COPD

• NCT number: NCT00244192
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Center for Integrated Rehabilitation and Organ Failure Horn
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Start date: October 2003
• Completion date: December 2005