Lithium Treatment for Patients With Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type I
Completed · Phase 1
Conditions studied: Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type I
In brief
This study will evaluate the side effects and tolerability of the drug lithium in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type I (SCA1) an inherited disorder caused by loss of nerve cells in parts of the brain. Symptoms include ataxia (difficulty walking) and loss of muscle coordination and strength. Recent studies suggest that lithium may be helpful in treating some SCA1 symptoms. People between 18 and 65 years of age with SCA1 who have only difficulty walking or who have difficulty walking as well as tremor, hand incoordination or speech problems, may be eligible for this study. Participation requires three hospital admissions at the NIH Clinical Center and one outpatient visit. Participants undergo the following tests and procedures: Admission 1 (2-6 weeks) * Medical history, physical examination, blood and urine tests, electrocardiogram. * Evaluation of SCA1 symptoms (balance, walking, dexterity, tremor, memory, mood and concentration). * Monitoring of liquid intake and output (urine) and weight changes. * Lithium treatment Start treatment and remain in hospital until the blood level of the drug is stabilized; continue treatment at home after hospital discharge. Admission 2 (2-4 days, 4 weeks after hospital discharge). * Repeat of some or all of the procedures done at the first admission. * Continue lithium in hospital and at home after discharge, with local physician checking laboratory values as needed. Admission 3 (2-4 days, 8 weeks after Admission 2). * Repeat of some or all of the procedures done at other admissions. * Stop lithium. Outpatient Visit (4 weeks after Admission 3) * Evaluation of SCA1 symptoms. * Blood and urine tests.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT00683943
- Run by
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- People needed
- 13
- Starts
- 2008-05-18
- Expected to finish
- 2010-02-25
- Last updated by the study team
- 2019-12-17
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may not qualify if…
- Children
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Anyone on a low-sodium diet
- Cognitively impaired individuals
- Schizophrenics
- Family history of thyroid diseases
- Patients with medical conditions that can be affected by Lithium such as diabetes mellitus, difficulty urinating, infections (severe occurring with fever, prolonged sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting), kidney disease, epilepsy, thyroid disease, heart disease, pulmonary disease, bipolar affective disorder, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes insipidus, Parkinson disease, psoriasis and leukemia.
- Anyone taking the following medications: diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, methyldopa, tetracycline, antipsychotic, neuromuscular blocking agents, digoxin, phenytoin, acetazolamide, calcium iodide, iodinated glycerol, potassium iodide, calcium channel blockers and/or metronidazole. Patients on these medications may be enrolled and their lithium levels will be followed very closely. If levels are consistently maintained, the subject may remain in the study.
- Age greater than 65 years
Where it is running
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike — Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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