The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and benefit of Thalidomide with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This is a six month study.
At entry, patients will have a complete history and physical, blood tests, ultrasound, and will complete questionnaires. Eligible patients will take Thalidomide 400 mg once a day in the evening. Patients will start a dose of 100 mg per day for two weeks, increasing by 100 mg per day every two weeks to a maximum dose of 400 mg per day for 6 months. Patients will return at 6 months for an evaluation, blood tests and completion of questionnaires. Blood tests will be performed by mailed-in kits at 3 months. Patients will receive weekly phone calls for the first 2 months and bi-monthly thereafter.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1
Titrate to 400 mg daily for 6 months
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States
Alkaline Phosphatase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alanine Aminotransferase
The primary outcome was the change in serum liver biochemical parameter levels after 6 months of thalidomide when compared to baseline values. This was to be analyzed using the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test of significance. This was based on the non-normal distribution of serum hepatic biochemical parameters among patients with PSC and the continuous nature of these variables.
Time frame: 6 months, baseline
Overall Toxicity and Tolerability
Overall toxicity and tolerability were to be measured by the number of patients with development of neuropathy, increased liver biochemistries, drowsiness, dizziness and orthostatic hypotension.
Time frame: 6 months
Mayo Risk Score
The Mayo Risk Score estimates the survival probability of a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis based on the following variables: age, bilirubin, albumin, AST and history of variceal bleeding.
Time frame: 6 months
Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor - Alpha
Assessment of effect from thalidomide on soluble tumor necrosis factor - alpha compared to baseline values were to be performed at study conclusion.
Time frame: 6 months, baseline
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