Clinical Trial: Pentoxifylline in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

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

Official Title: An Open-Label Pilot Study of Pentoxifylline in Steroid-naive Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Brief Summary: In this study, the primary aim will be to estimate the magnitude and variability of strength change over time that may be expected for subjects on the study treatment. This estimate of effect will allow us to develop a rigorous statistical plan in the future randomized study. The specific estimation technique to be applied will use a linear random effects model to estimate average strength change during the 3-month lead-in period and then during the twelve-month treatment period, taking into account the quantitative muscle testing (QMT) measures for each subject. Accounting for the correlation between repeated measures from each subject by using a random effects model will yield an unbiased estimate of variability for the population average change in strength. We will use an analysis of pre- and post-treatment data to inform a best estimate of treatment effect. For example, the difference in QMT trends pre- and post-treatment would provide a straightforward measure of efficacy.

Detailed Summary:

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease of skeletal muscle caused by the absence of dystrophin due to a genetic mutation in the x-linked dystrophin gene. The absence of dystrophin results in a fragile muscle membrane that permits an abnormal permeability to electrolytes, especially Ca ++. The increase in intracellular calcium triggers a pathological cascade of events that ultimately results in muscle necrosis and fibrosis, which impedes normal muscle regeneration. The increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of DMD opens the opportunity for pharmacological treatment, with the purpose of altering the disease process and or reverting the muscle degeneration.

This research study requires having Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and the subject to be between 4 and 7 years old. We expect 5 children to take part in this study at Children's Hospital and 10 other children to participate at other hospitals worldwide.

There will be two (2) screening visits to help decide whether you will be able to participate in the study. At the second screening visit, there will be a blood test (about 13 tablespoons of blood), and an EKG. Once the study doctors decide eligibility to be in the study, the subject will then come back once a month for three months to have his strength tested. After three months, the subject will begin to take the pentoxifylline and have an MRI (you will have a test called an MRI to look inside the muscles of your legs). This will continue for 12 months.


Sponsor: Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group

Current Primary Outcome: QMT measurements [ Time Frame: Each study visit ]

Quantitative muscle testing (QMT) is a technique utilized to assess muscle strength. Measurements of force are collected using a load cell while performing a maximum voluntary isometric contraction. This set-up is able to measure changes in strength of 0.25 lb which provides accurate and sensitive measurement of muscular strength. QMT is performed by a CINRG physical therapist.


Original Primary Outcome: QMT measurements

Current Secondary Outcome: Change in manual muscle test (MMT) at 12 months [ Time Frame: Each study visit ]

Manual muscle testing (MMT), which is graded according to the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, is a test of a participant's muscle strength, or ability of the muscle to move a part of the body against resistance. A CINRG physical therapist will perform MMT testing with each participant.


Original Secondary Outcome: Change in manual muscle test (MMT) at 12 months

Information By: Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group

Dates:
Date Received: January 29, 2005
Date Started: March 2002
Date Completion:
Last Updated: October 26, 2011
Last Verified: October 2011