Effects of Exenatide on Hypothalamic Obesity

Phase 1

Completed

Brief Summary: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Exenatide on weight status (change in body mass index) of children treated for craniopharyngioma that have developed hypothalamic obesity at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. We hypothesize that Exenatide given to hypothalamic obese children for 6 months will reduce their body mass index significantly from baseline.

Detailed Description: Hypothalamic obesity is when individuals suffer from acute weight gain after brain tumor treatment, involving secondary damage to the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, which may lead to obesity. The weight gain is uncontrolled and not receptive to diet and exercise interventions. The rate of long-term obesity in children diagnosed with craniopharyngioma can be as high as 50%. Exenatide, a drug indicated for diabetes, is an incretin mimicking agent that mimics the enhancement of glucose-dependent insulin secretion and several other antihyperglycemic actions of incretins has resulted in weight loss when given to diabetics. Exenatide shows potential to benefit patients suffering from hypothalamic obesity by slowing gastric emptying and therefore reducing food intake. Also increasing the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) circulation, decreased due to obesity, at the already compromised GLP-1 receptor site of the hypothalamus could potentially help with regulation of appetite.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

>/=6 months post surgical or radiation or chemotherapy treatment for 1° craniopharyngiomas or other suprasellar tumors
10-21 years old
Age-and sex-adjusted BMI >/=95%
Parent sign consent and patient sign assent

Exclusion Criteria

< 6 months post surgical or radiation or chemotherapy treatment for 1° craniopharyngiomas or other suprasellar tumors
Pregnant or breastfeeding, or those women who plan to get pregnant
Renal impairment
Gastroparesis
Pancreatitis
Diabetes
<1 month post initiation of Metformin treatment
Prescription or over-the-counter weight loss medications within 3 months of screening
Are actively participating in, or have participated in a formal weight loss program within the last 3 months
Have had bariatric surgery

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Exenatide	Exenatide	5mcg of exenatide will be given twice a day for 4 weeks and increased to 10 mcg twice a day for 20 weeks.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
BMI Change	24 weeks	BMI was collected at baseline and 24 weeks
Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR)	24 weeks	Waist circumference was measured at the natural waist level (midway between the lowest rib margin and the iliac crest) at baseline and 24 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Childhood Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ)	24 weeks	The Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) was designed as parent-report measure comprised of 35 items, each rated on a five-point likert scale that ranges from never to always. We utilized the CEBQ as a self-report measure during this study; it has not been validated for such use. For the purposes of this study, we looked at the Satiety Responsiveness Subscale Scores (5 questions; total scores could range from 5-25 with lower scores denoting a lower level of satiety). The results reported show the change between baseline and week 24 scores.
Calorie Intake Based on 3-day Diet Records	24 weeks	Dietary data were collected via 3-day diet records (Crawford et al. 1994) twice during the study, at baseline and week 24. Three-day diet records were collected on consecutive days including one weekend day. A registered dietitian (RD) instructed subjects on dietary data collection at baseline appointment. Depending on the age and capacity of the subject, the patient, parent or a collaboration of both recorded dietary intake. A RD entered dietary data into Nutritionist Pro software (First DataBank, SanBruno, CA) and the mean difference was analyzed.

Locations (2): Children's Hospital of Orange County
🇺🇸
Orange, California, United States
Children's Hospitals & Clincis of Minnesota
🇺🇸
Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States