Clinical Trial: Lipoic Acid to Treat Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Lipoic Acid for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Pilot Study

Brief Summary: The purpose of the study is to examine if alpha lipoic acid is an effective treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

Detailed Summary: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a progressive disease leading to paralysis. CIDP is an immune-mediated disorder resulting from a synergistic interaction of T cell-mediated and B cell-mediated immune responses directed against peripheral nerve antigens. These immune mediated responses in turn increase the production of reactive oxygen intermediate and cause oxidative damage of the peripheral nerve system. Although corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) reduce impairment caused by CIDP at least temporarily and can be used as a first-line treatments, they are not ideal for long-term treatment because of serious side effects and cost. Alpha lipoic acid (LA) is an antioxidant that also possesses anti-immune activity. It is effective in treating diabetic neuropathy. It is also promising in treating patients with multiple sclerosis.
Sponsor: Oregon Health and Science University

Current Primary Outcome: Muscle strength [ Time Frame: 16 weeks ]

Original Primary Outcome: Muscle strength [ Time Frame: Weeks 0, 8 and 16 ]

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Hughes Functional Disability Scale [ Time Frame: 16 weeks ]
  • Forced vital capacity (FVC) [ Time Frame: 16 weeks ]
  • Motor nerve conduction studies (NCS) [ Time Frame: 16 weeks ]


Original Secondary Outcome:

  • Hughes Functional Disability Scale [ Time Frame: Weeks 0, 8 and 16 ]
  • Forced vital capacity (FVC) [ Time Frame: Weeks 0, 8 and 16 ]
  • Motor nerve conduction studies (NCS) [ Time Frame: Weeks 0, 8 and 16 ]


Information By: Oregon Health and Science University

Dates:
Date Received: August 19, 2009
Date Started: February 2009
Date Completion:
Last Updated: January 30, 2013
Last Verified: January 2013