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Prader-Willi Syndrome Macronutrient Study

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Syndromic Obesity
Childhood Obesity
Prader Willi Syndrome
Interventions
Other: Low Fat diet
Other: Low Carbohydrate diet
Registration Number
NCT02011360
Lead Sponsor
Duke University
Brief Summary

The overall objective is to explore the mechanisms by which macronutrients regulate food intake and weight gain in Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS).

Previous studies from the investigators' labs suggest that the increased appetite of PWS may be triggered or maintained by an increase in the levels of ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone produced primarily by the stomach. This study will compare the effects of low carbohydrate diet versus low fat diet on levels of ghrelin, appetite suppressing hormones and markers of insulin sensitivity in patients with PWS.

The investigators hypothesize that the low carbohydrate diet will suppress plasma active ghrelin and increase appetite-suppressing hormones to a greater degree and for longer duration than the low fat diet and will thereby reduce hyperphagia and increase satiety. The investigators also hypothesize that the low carb diet will improve hormonal and metabolic markers (fatty acids, amino acids and organic acids) of insulin sensitivity and inflammatory cytokine profiles of children with PWS.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
10
Inclusion Criteria
  • diagnosis of Prader Willi syndrome confirmed by chromosome analysis (ie. interstitial deletion of paternally-derived chromosome 15q, uniparental maternal disomy or other chromosome 15 abnormalities)
  • age 5 years to 17 years
  • written informed consent and assent obtained and willingness to comply with the study schedule and procedures
  • free T4, TSH values in the normal range (either endogenous or with thyroxine replacement)
  • weight stable (BMI percentile fluctuation of <5 percentiles) over the preceding 2 months prior to the study
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Exclusion Criteria
  • presence of other clinically significant disease that would impact body composition including diabetes mellitus, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, chronic severe liver or kidney disease or neurologic disorders
  • concomitant use of medications known to affect body weight or investigational drug in the past year
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Low carbohydrate dietLow Fat dietLow carbohydrate diet: 15%carb; 65%fat; 20% protein. This will be administered over 72 hour hospital stay.
Low Fat dietLow Carbohydrate dietLow fat diet: 65%carb; 15%fat; 20% protein. This will be administered over a 72 hour hospital stay.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Suppression of ghrelin10 hour fast following completion of dietary intervention

Fasting labs will be obtained immediately following dietary intervention. These labs will include total and active ghrelin.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in satietyDuring the 72 hour dietary intervention

Changes in subjective hunger will be assessed by an appetite and hyperphagia questionnaire validated for PWS children. This will be completed by the children, with assistance of their parents, at completion of the 72 hour dietary intervention.

Improvements in insulin sensitivityDuring the 72 hour dietary intervention.

The analysis will include measurements of adiponectin, GLP-1, glucose, insulin, AST, ALT, insulin sensitivity and a detailed profile ("metabolomics") of amino acids, fatty acids, acylcarnitines, and adipocytokines on the day prior to and immediately following dietary intervention.

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Duke University Medical Center

🇺🇸

Durham, North Carolina, United States

University of Alberta

🇨🇦

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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