An Open-label Trial of Metformin for Weight Control of Pediatric Patients on Antipsychotic Medications.

Overview[ - collapse ][ - ]

Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of metformin treatment in children and adolescents suffering from weight gain secondary to use of atypical antipsychotic medications. In this 12 week, open-label study we will investigate metformin's effects on weight control and/or weight loss. We hypothesize that metformin would prevent further weight gain or lead to weight loss, resulting in amelioration of one of the most significant side effects of atypical antipsychotic use.
ConditionSchizophrenia
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizophreniform Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorders
InterventionDrug: Metformin
PhasePhase 4
SponsorCambridge Health Alliance
Responsible PartyCambridge Health Alliance
ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT00391261
First ReceivedOctober 19, 2006
Last UpdatedMarch 24, 2010
Last verifiedJune 2008

Tracking Information[ + expand ][ + ]

First Received DateOctober 19, 2006
Last Updated DateMarch 24, 2010
Start DateJuly 2006
Estimated Primary Completion DateOctober 2007
Current Primary Outcome MeasuresBMI [Time Frame: weekly] [Designated as safety issue: Yes]
Current Secondary Outcome MeasuresMOSES [Time Frame: weekly] [Designated as safety issue: Yes]

Descriptive Information[ + expand ][ + ]

Brief TitleAn Open-label Trial of Metformin for Weight Control of Pediatric Patients on Antipsychotic Medications.
Official TitleA Prospective Open-label Trial of Metformin for Weight Control of Pediatric Patients on Atypical Antipsychotic Medications.
Brief Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of
metformin treatment in children and adolescents suffering from weight gain secondary to use
of atypical antipsychotic medications. In this 12 week, open-label study we will investigate
metformin's effects on weight control and/or weight loss. We hypothesize that metformin
would prevent further weight gain or lead to weight loss, resulting in amelioration of one
of the most significant side effects of atypical antipsychotic use.
Detailed Description
Patients taking olanzapine, risperidone, or quetiapine with increased BMI of at least 10%
over the previous 2 months of atypical therapy will be eligible for the study. Subjects will
need to have been on a stable dose of their antipsychotic medications at the time of
enrollment (stable x2 weeks) and will remain on the same atypical dose, if possible,
throughout the study. The dosing of metformin will start at 500mg per day and increase up to
a maximum dose of 1500mg daily. Determination of weight gain during the course of the study
will be based on the subject's weight at enrollment and subsequent visits. The patients will
be asked not to vary their dietary or physical activity habits during the study.

Interpretation of Data: The study's primary outcome measure will be change in weight and
body mass index at 12 weeks of metformin treatment. Additionally, skin-fold test and
abdominal girth will be measured at baseline and endpoint.

Risks: Generally, metformin is well-tolerated. However, there may be unknown risks
associated with exposure to a new medication in a clinical population where this specific
compound has not been studied extensively. The general and rare side effects are listed
below. These risks will be minimized by careful monitoring and higher than standard of care
safety evaluations. In addition, an individual's symptoms could potentially remain unchanged
or worsen by initiating this medication, or from delaying initiation of a potentially more
effective alternative treatment. For these reasons, participation in the study is entirely
voluntary and consent may be withdrawn at any time without any repercussions and will result
in the patient being immediately discontinued from the study. If at any time the clinician
believes that the patient is not benefiting from the study, the study will be discontinued
and endpoint measures will be obtained if possible. A risk-benefit analysis, weighing
clinical improvement against side effects will be done at each visit and will determine
further inclusion in the study.

Subjects and their guardians will be asked repeatedly to inform study staff of any side
effects. Subjects are informed of the potential side effects and the importance of alerting
study staff to the side effects in the consent and assent forms. Side effect data will be
collected at baseline and every other week, but subjects are encouraged to give relevant
information at every clinical evaluation.

Alternative treatments include no treatment with an attendant risk of increased weight gain,
potentially leading to health hazard. Other medications that are available are not
extensively used and widely accepted. These other medication options will be discussed as
alternatives during the consent process. Also, life-style modifications including healthy
diet habits and increased physical activity will be discussed during the consent process as
well.
Study TypeInterventional
Study PhasePhase 4
Study DesignAllocation: Non-Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment
Condition
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizoaffective Disorder
  • Schizophreniform Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
InterventionDrug: Metformin
open-label, flexible dosing
Other Names:
Glucophage
Study Arm (s)Not Provided

Recruitment Information[ + expand ][ + ]

Recruitment StatusCompleted
Estimated Enrollment11
Estimated Completion DateOctober 2007
Estimated Primary Completion DateOctober 2007
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Males and females aged 10-18 years.

2. A DSM-IV diagnosis of bipolar disorder schizophrenia spectrum disorder, or pervasive
developmental disorder.

3. Ability to give assent.

4. At least 10% increase in body mass index (BMI) within the past 2 months of
quetiapine, olanzapine, or risperidone treatment, per parent or physician report.

5. On stable dose of quetiapine, olanzapine, or risperidone x2 weeks.

6. Otherwise medically stable.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects meeting criteria for an eating disorder or an autistic spectrum disorder.

2. IQ below the mild mental retardation range (<60), based on verified records of
cognitive testing performed within 2 years of enrollment. In event that suitable
records of prior testing are unavailable, IQ will be estimated based on current
classroom placement.

3. Significant medical and/or neurological illness, including seizure disorders, severe
respiratory illness or cardiac conditions; cerebrovascular disease; hypo- or
hypertension; immune, endocrine, renal, or hepatic dysfunction. The definition of
such dysfunction will be derived from laboratory normal ranges, such that values
lying outside those ranges would be considered abnormal.

4. Subjects taking antidepressants.

5. Active substance abuse/dependence based upon history and/or urine toxicology tests
performed at screening.

6. Inability to have blood drawn at baseline, weekly, and termination visits.

7. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to metformin or its ingredients.

8. Recent history of suicidality, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts.

9. Patients clinically unstable on current medication regimen.
GenderBoth
Ages10 Years
Accepts Healthy VolunteersNo
ContactsNot Provided
Location CountriesUnited States

Administrative Information[ + expand ][ + ]

NCT Number NCT00391261
Other Study ID NumbersCHA-IRB-0143/12/05
Has Data Monitoring CommitteeNo
Information Provided ByCambridge Health Alliance
Study SponsorCambridge Health Alliance
CollaboratorsAmerican Psychiatric Association
Investigators Principal Investigator: Jean A Frazier, MD Cambridge Health Alliance
Verification DateJune 2008

Locations[ + expand ][ + ]

Cambridge Health Alliance
Medford, Massachusetts, United States, 02155