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Neuropsychological Effects of Hydrocortisone in Patients With Partial Adrenal Insufficiency

Phase 4
Terminated
Conditions
Partial Corticotrope Insufficiency
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT01089075
Lead Sponsor
Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of hydrocortisone replacement therapy in patients with partial cortisol deficiency after traumatic brain injury or subarachnoid hemorrhage on cognitive function.

Detailed Description

This is a controlled, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, interventional study. The benefit of replacement in partial corticotropic failure on brain function (cognition), especially in cases with borderline low cortisol levels after stimulation is unknown.

Moreover, since glucocorticoids might affect hGH secretion, the effect of hydrocortisone on hGH secretion reflected by IGF-1 levels will be assessed. If IGF-1 is below 2 SD at the end of the study, hGH secretion will additionally be determined by a GHRH-arginine-test.

An improved cognition in TBI and SAH patients with partial corticotropic insufficiency would give a new treatment option in this population which may lead to better quality of life and an enhanced rehabilitation process.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
TERMINATED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
32
Inclusion Criteria
  • Adult patients (male and female) between 18 and 75 years
  • 1 -12 month after TBI or SAH before prescreening
  • Cortisol level 100-180 ng/ml after stimulation with ACTH
  • Written informed consent by patient or a legally accepted representative
Exclusion Criteria
  • Pregnancy and lactation period (during study treatment)
  • Concomitant or previous high-dose therapy with glucocorticoids; previous treatment with glucocorticoids will be accepted, if it has been low dose (i.e. lower than the Cushing threshold) and has been stopped at least 3 months before study participation
  • Suspected or known hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone or any of its components
  • Albumine less than 2,5 g/dl
  • Suspected or known drug or alcohol abuse
  • Planned treatment for thyroid dysfunction or a planned change in established thyroid treatment
  • Any condition which in the opinion of the investigator makes the patient unsuitable for inclusion.
  • Participation in another clinical trial with investigational new drugs
  • Severe medical or psychiatric disease
  • Change of dosage of any other drug which might influence the corticotrope axis or cognitive function (e.g. antidepressive treatment) during the last 3 weeks
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Severe disturbances in articulation, visual faculty or hearing
  • Any elective surgery or medical treatment planned in the observation period
  • Intensive Care treatment

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
placebo/20 mg hydrocortisonePlaceboOrder of study treatment: 7 days placebo followed by 7 days 20 mg hydrocortisone
20 mg hydrocortisone/placeboPlaceboOrder of study treatment: 7 days 20 mg hydrocortisone followed by 7 days placebo
placebo/20 mg hydrocortisoneHydrocortisoneOrder of study treatment: 7 days placebo followed by 7 days 20 mg hydrocortisone
20 mg hydrocortisone/placeboHydrocortisoneOrder of study treatment: 7 days 20 mg hydrocortisone followed by 7 days placebo
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in score of alertness test (TAP)- interindividual differencesday -5 to - 0 (before start of study treatment), day 7 (after 7 days treatment with Hydrocortisone or Placebo, day 14 (after 7 days treatment with Hydrocortisone or Placebo)
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in score of Alertness Test (TAP) - intraindividual differencesday -5 to - 0 (before start of study treatment), day 7 (after 7 days treatment with Hydrocortisone or Placebo, day 14 (after 7 days treatment with Hydrocortisone or Placebo)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Schön Klinik Bad Aibling

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Bad Aibling, Bavaria, Germany

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