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Vascular Function and Uterine Fibroids

Completed
Conditions
Leiomyoma
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT02123069
Lead Sponsor
Mayo Clinic
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to learn how uterine fibroids may be connected to heart disease and high blood pressure. It is not known what causes fibroids, but they frequently occur in women who also have high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The investigators of this study want to learn if certain changes in the blood vessels or nerve activity can put women at risk for these diseases and for fibroids.

Detailed Description

The investigators are inviting women, 25-50 years old, who have not gone through menopause to participate in this study. The investigators are looking for some women with uterine fibroids and some without uterine fibroids based on ultrasound or MRI. If the patients have not had a recent ultrasound or MRI of the uterus, a physician can provide one.

Individuals cannot participate if they have high blood pressure, diabetes, or disease in the kidneys, lungs, or blood vessels. Also, individuals who smoke, have high cholesterol, or are obese (BMI is higher than 30) cannot participate. Certain medications, including high blood pressure medications, beta-blockers and anti-depressants, will also limit potential patient participation. The investigators would be happy to review medications for potential participants.

Screen Day:

One of the members of the research team will review the study and the informed consent document with the patient. The patient will have their height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and respirations measured. The patient will also complete three questionnaires. If the patient has not had an ultrasound of the uterus in the last 12 months, a physician will complete one for her.

Study Day:

The patient will need to fast overnight (no eating or drinking). The investigators will draw a blood sample and then do a series of tests on the participant's blood vessels. For some of the tests, medication will be given through an IV. The investigators will also test nerve activity in the nerve on the outer aspect of the leg.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
28
Inclusion Criteria
  • Women 25-50 years old
  • Premenopausal
Exclusion Criteria
  • Postmenopausal
  • Pregnant or currently breastfeeding
  • Using blood pressure medications or anti-depression medications
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Disease in the kidneys, lungs, or blood vessels
  • Chronic diseases (for example: Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bipolar mood disorder, etc.)
  • Smoker
  • High cholesterol
  • BMI higher than 30

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Women without uterine fibroidsNitroprusside and phenylephrine* Brachial artery catheter * Acetylcholine * Nitroprusside * Norepinephrine * Nitroprusside and phenylephrine
Women without uterine fibroidsBrachial artery catheter* Brachial artery catheter * Acetylcholine * Nitroprusside * Norepinephrine * Nitroprusside and phenylephrine
Women with uterine fibroidsBrachial artery catheter* Brachial artery catheter * Acetylcholine * Nitroprusside * Norepinephrine * Nitroprusside and phenylephrine
Women with uterine fibroidsNitroprusside and phenylephrine* Brachial artery catheter * Acetylcholine * Nitroprusside * Norepinephrine * Nitroprusside and phenylephrine
Women with uterine fibroidsNorepinephrine* Brachial artery catheter * Acetylcholine * Nitroprusside * Norepinephrine * Nitroprusside and phenylephrine
Women with uterine fibroidsNitroprusside* Brachial artery catheter * Acetylcholine * Nitroprusside * Norepinephrine * Nitroprusside and phenylephrine
Women without uterine fibroidsNitroprusside* Brachial artery catheter * Acetylcholine * Nitroprusside * Norepinephrine * Nitroprusside and phenylephrine
Women without uterine fibroidsNorepinephrine* Brachial artery catheter * Acetylcholine * Nitroprusside * Norepinephrine * Nitroprusside and phenylephrine
Women with uterine fibroidsAcetylcholine* Brachial artery catheter * Acetylcholine * Nitroprusside * Norepinephrine * Nitroprusside and phenylephrine
Women without uterine fibroidsAcetylcholine* Brachial artery catheter * Acetylcholine * Nitroprusside * Norepinephrine * Nitroprusside and phenylephrine
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Baseline sympathetic nerve activityOne day (study day)

Nerve "burst" activity will be measured across 10 minutes.

Baseline systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressuresOne day (study day)
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in forearm blood flow levels in response to acetylcholine infusionOne day (study day)
Pulse wave velocity (an index of vessel stiffness)One day (study day)
Changes in forearm blood flow levels in response to nitroprusside infusionOne day (study day)
Changes in forearm blood flow levels in response to norepinephrine infusionOne day (study day)
Change in blood pressure in response to infusions of nitroprusside and phenylephrineOne day (study)

An infusion of nitroprusside will be given, followed by an infusion of phenylephrine one minute later.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Mayo Clinic

🇺🇸

Rochester, Minnesota, United States

Mayo Clinic
🇺🇸Rochester, Minnesota, United States
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