Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is used as a measure of the body's ability to produce growth hormone. Growth hormone is important for muscle tissue as well as many other tissues in the body. Growth hormone (GH) and IGF-I have been shown to be reduced in many persons with SCI. Baclofen is a FDA approved drug that is used to treat spasticity. Persons receiving long-term baclofen therapy have been demonstrated to have increased growth hormone and IGF-I levels. IGF-I levels will be determined before and after treatment with baclofen. In this study, the investigators will determine the minimum dose of baclofen at which improvements in GH and IGF-1 levels occur.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Subjects will receive 20 mg baclofen for 8 weeks, followed by 40 mg baclofen for 8 weeks.
VA Medical Center, Bronx
The Bronx, New York, United States
Determine the threshold dose 20 or 40 mg/d of baclofen and the dose-response curve of the medication for its effect to raise plasma IGF-1 levels
Time frame: 20-week (5 months) in which subjects are asked to report for 12 visits after starting baclofen therapy
Assessment of the adverse side effects, if any, of low dose baclofen therapy
Time frame: 20-week (5 months) in which subjects are asked to report for 12 visits after starting baclofen therapy
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