There are currently very few proven pharmacologic options available for these patients. The recent discovery of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels, particularly TRPV2 channels, in the cardiovascular system is promising as a potential pathway for pharmacologic intervention for Fontan patients. Probenecid, a drug best known as a treatment for gout or as a penicillin adjunct, acts as a TRPV2 agonist and has recently become the subject of study as a model therapy for the treatment of cardiomyopathy due to its positive inotropic and lusitropic effects. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine if probenecid will improve magnetic resonance (MRI) parameters of systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction as well as associated symptoms in patients with a Fontan circulation. The investigators will quantitatively assess functional improvement with pre- and post-treatment cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
8
This is a cross-over pilot study where participants will receive both the study medication (probenecid), as well as a placebo to see if the study medication improves magnetic resonance parameters of systolic and diastolic dysfunction that occurs in the Fontan population.
placebo
Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Changes in End Diastolic and End Systolic Volume as Measured by Standard and Advanced MRI Parameters
Determine if Fontan patients treated with probenecid for four weeks will experience increased systolic and diastolic function (as measured via standard and advanced MRI parameters) compared with four weeks of placebo. Participants will be assigned to either the placebo arm or study medication arm for the first four weeks. They will then undergo a four week wash out period. Finally, participants will be placed into the study arm that they were not assigned to in the first four weeks when they return for the last four weeks of study participation. There will be four MRI scans over the course of the 12 week study period.
Time frame: Total time participation in the study will be twelve weeks. Four weeks on the placebo or study medication, four weeks of a washout period and another four weeks with the study medication or placebo.
Changes in Exercise Performance (VO2 Absolute) as Determined by Completing Four Graded Exercise Tests Utilizing a Cycle Ergometer Ramp Protocol; Pre and Post Study Drug and Placebo Administration.
Determine if Fontan patients treated with probenecid for four weeks will experience improved exercise performance compared with four weeks of placebo as measured by a maximal graded exercise test. Participants will complete a graded maximal cycle ergometer test at each of their four study visits.
Time frame: Total time participation in the study will be twelve weeks. Four weeks on the placebo or study medication, four weeks of a washout period and another four weeks with the study medication or placebo.
Impact of Study Medication on Exercise Capacity (Indexed VO2 [ml/kg/Min] of Single Ventricle Patients.
Determine if there is a quantitative difference in indexed VO2 max when patients have been taking the study medication (probenecid) versus a placebo.
Time frame: Total time participation in the study will be twelve weeks. Four weeks on the placebo or study medication, four weeks of a washout period and another four weeks with the study medication or placebo.
Impact of Study Medication on the MRI Ejection Fraction of Single Ventricle Patients.
Determine if there is a quantitative difference in ejection fraction when patients are taking the study medication (probenecid) versus when they are taking a placebo.
Time frame: Total time participation in the study will be twelve weeks. Four weeks on the placebo or study medication, four weeks of a washout period and another four weeks with the study medication or placebo.
Impact of Study Medication on MRI Flow Rates of the Ventricles (Cardiac Output) in Single Ventricle Patients
Determine if there is a quantitative difference in cardiac output of single ventricle patients when taking the study medication (probenecid) versus taking a placebo.
Time frame: Total time participation in the study will be twelve weeks. Four weeks on the placebo or study medication, four weeks of a washout period and another four weeks with the study medication or placebo.
Impact of Study Medication on MRI Strain Values in Single Ventricle Patients
Determine if there is a quantitative difference in longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain MRI values when subjects take the study medication (probenecid) versus a placebo.
Time frame: Total time participation in the study will be twelve weeks. Four weeks on the placebo or study medication, four weeks of a washout period and another four weeks with the study medication or placebo.
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