MedPath

HEMolysis in a Percutaneous Axial Flow LVAD, Effects of Pentoxifylline in a Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 4
Not yet recruiting
Conditions
Hemolysis Intravascular
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT04391231
Lead Sponsor
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Brief Summary

Temporary mechanical circulatory support devices are increasingly used for short-term support in patients with decompensated cardiogenic shock. Recently, a new axial flow pump has become widely available with the Impella System. The Impella has been FDA approved for short term usage. Hemolysis, however, has been a common complication that has increased morbidity and mortality in this patient population.

It is hypothesized that a major source of hemolysis in this patient population is shear stress experienced by red blood cells (RBC) as they travel through the pump device. In addition to causing RBC loss and potential anemia, the hemolysis has multiple other downstream consequences including creation of a pro-thrombotic environment leading to clot formation and potential device failure and secondary end organ dysfunction (renal and liver failure). Due to the significant effects of hemolysis in this population, a great deal of interest has been recently focused on addressing this problem, but as of yet no durable solutions exist.

Pentoxifylline improves red blood cell deformability and reduces blood viscosity. It is hypothesized here that administering Pentoxifylline to patients in CS who require temporary MCS will decrease the amount of shear stress related hemolysis through the improved deformability and durability of RBCs. We propose to perform a double-blinded randomized controlled trial in patients who undergo an axillary Impella 5.0 insertion for acute decompensated heart failure. There will be a control group who receives a placebo and the treatment group who receives pentoxifylline. Labs will be drawn to monitor hemolysis which is our current standard protocol for the life of the device to determine the efficacy of pentoxifylline in decreasing hemolysis in this patient population.

Detailed Description

Subjects will be screened prior to Impella device implant for eligibility. Informed consent will be obtained from eligible subjects. After implant of their Impella Device (5.0/5.5), results of laboratory tests (plasma free hemoglobin \& lactate dehydrogenase levels) every 12 hrs for the first 3 days and then daily thereafter. Subjects will receive study medication every 6 hrs from device implant until device explant, death or Day 30 occurs. Impella therapy, concomitant medications and adverse events will be collected until the same. Subjects that don't qualify or opt out of participating will not receive the study medication. The data being collected for the study is based on routine standard of care. The difference between the SOC Impellas subjects and the study patients is the addition of Pentoxifylline being administered along with their SOC medications.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
50
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age >/= 18 years of age
  • Heart failure patients who undergo axillary Impella 5.0 or 5.5 insertion for acute decompensated heart failure
Exclusion Criteria
  • Concomitant temporary mechanical circulatory support (ECMO, RVAD)
  • Heparin induced thrombocytopenia
  • Recent cerebral and/or retinal hemorrhage or in patients who have
  • Previous intolerance to Pentoxifylline or methylxanthines such as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine
  • Women who are currently pregnant, nursing or planning on becoming pregnant.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Pentoxifylline ArmPentoxifylline Oral ProductPentoxifylline (in suspension with SyrSpend SF)
Placebo ArmPlaceboPlacebo (SyrSpend SF only)
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Reduction in REBC hemolysisUp to 30 Days post-device implant

Measured by change in plasma free hemoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase levels

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
hemolysis requiring adjustment of device speed settingsUp to 30 Days post-device implant

Measured by change in plasma free hemoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase levels

deathUp to 30 Days post-device implant

morbidity from all causes

device malfunctionUp to 30 Days post-device implant

Impella system malfunction requiring intervention or device replacement

duration of Impella supportUp to 30 Days post-device implant

Hours/days of Impella use

bleedingUp to 30 Days post-device implant

As assessed by drop in blood count

infectionUp to 30 Days post-device implant

Assessed by fever and changes in laboratory assessments

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

🇺🇸

Los Angeles, California, United States

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath