Clinical Trial: Enhancement of Functional Recovery After Peripheral Nerve Injury With Tacrolimus

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Enhancement of Functional Recovery After Peripheral Nerve Injury With Tacrolimus

Brief Summary:

Tacrolimus (FK506) is an immunosuppressive medication that promotes organ allograft survival. It has also been shown to enhance nerve regeneration and muscle reinnervation in animals but these properties have not previously been studied in patients. Moreover, currently there is no method in clinical use to speed the rate of recovery after nerve injury. The objective of this study is to explore the ability of tacrolimus to benefit the treatment of patients with peripheral nerve injury. To minimize the morbidity of tacrolimus therapy, its phase-specific effects on nerve regeneration and muscle reinnervation will be defined in the murine model to permit further limitation of the duration of therapy. The investigators hypothesize that treatment with tacrolimus after autogenous peripheral nerve reconstruction will accelerate nerve regeneration, reduce the period of denervation and improve muscle reinnervation and recovery in patients with peripheral nerve injury.

There are 2 specific aims:

  1. Determine the safety and efficacy of tacrolimus following reconstructive nerve surgery in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized pilot clinical trial of patients with severe nerve injuries of the extremities;
  2. Correlate the quality of life outcome with assessment of functional recovery after surgical reconstruction of patients with severe peripheral nerve injuries of the extremities.

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine

Current Primary Outcome:

  • Functional Recovery [ Time Frame: 1-1.5 years ]
  • Incidence of adverse events. [ Time Frame: 1 year ]


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Recovery time. [ Time Frame: 1.5 years ]
  • Recovery of sensation. [ Time Frame: 1 year ]


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Washington University School of Medicine

Dates:
Date Received: July 29, 2009
Date Started: August 2010
Date Completion: September 2015
Last Updated: January 11, 2010
Last Verified: January 2010