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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) and Fat Absorption in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

Phase 2
Completed
Conditions
Pancreatic Insufficiency
Cystic Fibrosis
Interventions
Drug: Placebo oral capsule
Registration Number
NCT03551691
Lead Sponsor
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Brief Summary

This is a clinical trial with a cross over design investigating the effect of the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole on fat malabsorption in subjects with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic insufficiency. Participants will be randomized to receive either omeprazole or placebo for 28 days, then cross over and receive omeprazole or placebo for another 28 days. Markers of fat absorption will be measured after each treatment course.

Detailed Description

Fat malabsorption contributes to poor nutritional status in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Prescribing gastric acid-reducing agents such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine receptor antagonists (H2RAs) as an adjunct to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to improve PERT efficacy and dietary fat absorption has become accepted clinical practice in CF, despite limited evidence to support the practice. Establishing the efficacy and true health benefit of acid suppression for nutritional status and outcomes in CF is particularly important in light of potential health risks and cost associated with long-term or even lifetime use of these medications.

This study aims to characterize changes in fat malabsorption using the coefficient of fat absorption (CFA) as the primary endpoint in subjects who are on and off acid suppression with a PPI in addition to PERT. Additionally, the SmartPill® will be used to evaluate duodenal power of hydrogen (pH) while on and off acid suppression, and the malabsorption blood test (MBT) will be used to characterize changes in fat absorption. Associations will be explored between changes in nutritional status (weight, height, BMI), clinical GI symptoms, and quality of life in subjects treated with PPI vs. placebo.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
19
Inclusion Criteria
  • Cystic fibrosis and pancreatic insufficiency (Fecal elastase <200 ug/g stool)
  • Age ≥12 years
  • In usual state of good health
  • Willing to participate in a four-month study with three visits
Exclusion Criteria
  • Forced expiratory vital capacity at one second (FEV1) <40% predicted
  • Pregnancy or breast feeding
  • Other illness affecting growth or nutritional status
  • Unwillingness to continue their clinically established PERT dose for the duration of the study
  • Use of other medication that affects dietary fat absorption
  • Allergy to soy products
  • Allergy to safflower products
  • For subjects ≥18 years, celiac disease or allergy to gluten

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
OmeprazoleOmeprazole 20mg CapsuleSubjects will take omeprazole 20mg daily for 28 days, then undergo assessments of fat absorption.
PlaceboPlacebo oral capsuleSubjects will take a placebo daily for 28 days, then undergo assessments of fat absorption.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Coefficient of Fat AbsorptionAfter 28 days of treatment or placebo

Gold standard measurement of fat malabsorption

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Fat Absorption Via Malabsorption Blood TestAfter 28 days of treatment or placebo

Measurement of serum pentadecanoic acid and heptadecanoic acid

Duodenal pHAfter 28 days of treatment or placebo

Change in duodenal pH as measured by the motility testing system (SmartPill)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

🇺🇸

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

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