Validation of an Objective Instrument to Measure Hot Flashes During Menopause

Pennington Biomedical Research Center12 enrolled

Overview

The overarching aim of this study is to assess the validity of the iButton®, a dual temperature and humidity sensing device (DS1923; Maxim IntegratedTM), as an objective method to assess hot flash incidence and dynamics in both a real world (ambulatory) and controlled (laboratory) setting. This study will test the overarching hypothesis that both self-report hot flashes in both an ambulatory and laboratory setting will correlate (confirm) the temperature and humidity sensing observed via the iButton® technology.

Using iButton® technology as an objective instrument to measure hot flash dynamics, the investigators will validate the technology in 12 perimenopausal women ages 45-60 y and BMI 18.5-40 kg/m2 who experience greater than or equal to 4 hot flashes per day. First, the investigators will validate the iButton® technology against self-report (subjective) hot flash incidence in a real world, ambulatory condition (via a hot flash journal). Next, the investigators will validate the iButton® technology during a controlled, laboratory-stimulated hot flash using a tube-lined suit that circulates warm water uniformly around the lower limbs (Med-EngTM). During the stimulated hot flash, the investigators will simultaneously measure core body temperature, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, and heart rate alongside the iButton® to correlate (confirm) the observed thermoregulatory changes and further assess validity. To date, existing studies using iButtons® to assess changes in skin temperature have been conducted. Each subject will undergo a two-phased screening to determine eligibility. Pre-enrollment measurements will include standard anthropometrics (weight, height), vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate), fasting blood draw, and questionnaires, as well as a 7-day hot flash journal that captures frequency and severity screening. Post-enrollment measurements will include simultaneous objective (via iButtons®) and subjective (via self-report journal) hot flash recordings (i.e., field testing), as well as a final laboratory visit will be conducted at Louisiana State University's School of Kinesiology and include body composition assessment, as well as the following assessments during a stimulated hot flash -- core temperature, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, and heart rate.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Menopause Hot Flashes

Interventions

iButton®DEVICE

Women with frequently reported hot flashes will be undergo both real world (ambulatory; field tests) and controlled (laboratory) assessments to validate the iButton® as an objective method to assess hot flash dynamics and incidence.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 45 YearsMax age: 60 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy female * Ages 45-60 y * BMI between 18.5 kg/m2 and 40 kg/m2 (inclusive) * Self-reported ≥4 hot flashes per day (for 4 out of the 7 days) (via 7-d hot flash journal) * Meets both criteria for "peri-menopause (late phase)" classification: (1) experiences menopause-related symptoms (including hot flashes); (2) has hot gone 12 months in a row without a menstrual cycle; however, has sometimes more than 60 days between cycles. * Medically cleared for participation by the Medical Investigator Exclusion Criteria: * Current smokers, or having smoked within the last 3 months * History of diabetes (or other metabolic diseases) * History of neurological disease * History of cardiovascular disease * Taking hormone replacement therapy, or other therapies/supplements designed to reduce severity of menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes) * Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding

Locations (1)

Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Skin temperature (via iButton®)

Skin temperatures will be continually monitored at 2 sites: the sternum (chest) and forearm, using iButton® technology during a single hot flash that is stimulated at the laboratory visit.

Time frame: 2 hours

Secondary Outcomes

Skin temperature (via BIOPAC)

Skin temperatures will be continually monitored at 5 sites: the mid-thigh, sternum (chest), forearm, mid-biceps, and scapula, during a single hot flash that is stimulated at the laboratory visit.

Time frame: 2 hours

Skin blood flow (via laser-Doppler flowmetry)

Skin blood flow will be measured continuously using a laser Doppler flowmeter on the sternum with the associated software (Perimed, Stockholm, Sweden) during a single hot flash that is stimulated at the laboratory visit.

Time frame: 2 hours

Core temperature (via pill telemetry)

Core temperature will be measured from an ingestible pill telemetry system (HTI Technologies; Palmetto, FL) during a single hot flash that is stimulated at the laboratory visit.

Time frame: 2 hours

Sweat rate (via ventilated capsule)

Sweat rates of the sternum and forearm will be measured using ventilated capsules secured with surgical adhesive during a single hot flash that is stimulated at the laboratory visit.

Time frame: 2 hours

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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