The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether Northera (Droxidopa) is safe and effective in young adults with Menkes disease who survived the most severe complications of their illness or adults with occipital horn syndrome (OHS), who have trouble with intermittent low blood pressure and other symptoms of dysautonomia. The outcomes and information from this study may help adult survivors of Menkes disease and individuals with OHS lead more normal day-to-day lives.
This pilot clinical trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability, dosing, and preliminary efficacy of Northera (Droxidopa) treatment in young adults who survived the major neurodegenerative and neurocognitive effects of Menkes disease through early Copper Histidinate treatment. We hypothesize that Northera (Droxidopa) in Menkes disease survivors with symptoms of dysautonomia (e.g., syncope, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, abnormal sinoatrial conduction, nocturnal bradycardia, and bowel or bladder dysfunction) from persistent deficiency of the copper-dependent enzyme, dopamine-β-hydroxylase, will be safe, and correct or improve blood neurochemical levels, raise systolic blood pressure, and produce symptomatic improvement and better overall quality of life. We will test this hypothesis in six to ten Menkes disease survivors or OHS patients in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized crossover clinical trial.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
3
Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University
New York, New York, United States
Treatment Related Adverse Events as Assessed by CTCAE v4.0
Treatment related adverse events as assessed by CTCAE v 4.0 by study arm
Time frame: TEAEs in 6 week periods of either active drug (droxidopa) or placebo
Mean Change in Systolic Blood Pressure in Tilt Position
Change in systolic BP in tilt position during each treatment arm (droxidopa and placebo) compared to baseline.
Time frame: Change in systolic BP in tilt position during each 6 week treatment arm (droxidopa and placebo) compared to baseline.
Mean Change in Diastolic Blood Pressure in Tilt Position
The change in diastolic BP in tilt position during each treatment arm (droxidopa and placebo) compared to baseline.
Time frame: The change in diastolic BP in tilt position during each 6 week treatment arm (droxidopa and placebo) compared to baseline.
Plasma Catechol Levels
Change in plasma catechols between placebo and droxidopa treatment arms
Time frame: Change in plasma catechols between each 6 week treatment arm (droxidopa and placebo)
Change From Baseline in Daily Bowel Movements
Change from baseline in daily bowel movements
Time frame: Change from baseline in daily bowel movements per day during each 6 week treatment arm (droxidopa and placebo).
Change From Baseline in Time Standing Duration
Change from baseline in Time standing duration
Time frame: Change from baseline in standing time duration during each 6 week treatment arm (droxidopa and placebo).
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Change From Baseline in Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Performance
Change from baseline in Timed Up and Go (TUG) test performance
Time frame: Change from baseline in TUG test performance during each 6 week treatment arm (droxidopa and placebo)
Change From Baseline in 6 Minute Walk Test Performance
Change from baseline in 6 minute walk test performance
Time frame: Change from baseline in the 6MW distance during each 6 week treatment arm (droxidopa and placebo)
Change From Baseline in Scores on the Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment (OHSA) Questionnaire
Change from baseline in scores on the Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment questionnaire. The scale rates the severity of OH symptoms from 0 to 10 ; with 10 defined as the worst possible.
Time frame: Change from baseline in OHSA score during each 6 week treatment arm (droxidopa and placebo)