Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects over 20% of aged adults and is very common among Veterans due significant tobacco use. PAD is due to the progressive blockage of peripheral arteries, predominantly to the legs, and results in intermittent claudication (IC) or recurrent muscle pain with activity secondary to insufficient blood supply. Those with PAD and IC experience a progressive decline in walking and poor quality of life. There is no effective medical treatment for PAD and IC. Metformin is a safe and effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes but it can also reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and improve energy requirements as well as improve blood flow to the legs. Therefore, the investigators will test the ability of Metformin to improve overall functional status, reduce PAD progression, and reduce systemic inflammation in Veterans suffering from PAD and IC in a randomized, placebo controlled trial: Metformin BenefIts Lower Extremities with Intermittent Claudication (MOBILE IC) Trial. The success of this trial may identify a safe and effective treatment for PAD and IC.
This is a quadruple blinded randomized controlled trial. Therefore, the allocation of participants to either placebo or metformin is unknown by the participant, research personnel, investigator, or blinded statistician. A total of 200 participants will be randomized over the course of 3 years. Study drug is administered to participants after all inclusion and no exclusion criteria is confirmed, informed consent is completed, and they are randomized. Study drug is continued throughout for 6 months following randomization. Participants are prospectively observed and monitored for 12 months after randomization. The patients' involvement (study visits/study phone calls) will last 12 months. Then, for 5 years, the study team will do a medical chart review as outlined in the ICF and protocol. All main study endpoints are within the 12-month time point. Secondary endpoints including MACE and MALE - major adverse cardiac and major adverse limb events - are time to event end points which can continue beyond the 12-month study time frame and will inform not only the effect of metformin on IC but also the natural history of IC among patients enrolled in the study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
200
Oral medication typically used for Type 2 diabetes with presumed anti-inflammatory properties
Matched to active study drug
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
RECRUITINGMaximal Walking distance on the 6 minute walk test
This validated measure of functional status in PAD and IC is highly reproducible and the ideal measure of real-life walking capacity
Time frame: 6 month
6 minute walk test
This validated measure of functional status in PAD and IC is highly reproducible and the ideal measure of real-life walking capacity. The six minute walk test includes maximal walking distance, pain free walking distance, time to pain onset.
Time frame: 6 month
6 minute walk test
This validated measure of functional status in PAD and IC is highly reproducible and the ideal measure of real-life walking capacity. The six minute walk test includes maximal walking distance, pain free walking distance, time to pain onset.
Time frame: 12 month
Cardiopulmonary exercise test
The CPET is a well validated, reproducible measure symptom-limited (maximal) aerobic and anaerobic capacity in patients with PAD and IC and correlates with systemic disease severity and outcome
Time frame: 6 month
Cardiopulmonary exercise test
The CPET is a well validated, reproducible measure symptom-limited (maximal) aerobic and anaerobic capacity in patients with PAD and IC and correlates with systemic disease severity and outcome
Time frame: 12 month
EndoPAT
Systemic endothelial cell function and health will be evaluated by EndoPAT, measuring peripheral artery tonometry and generates reproducible digital pulse wave amplitude before and during reactive hyperemia induced by brachial artery occlusion with a blood pressure cuff
Time frame: 6 month
Grip Strength
Grip strength with a dynamometer provides a digital reading of force
Time frame: 6 month
EndoPAT
Systemic endothelial cell function and health will be evaluated by EndoPAT, measuring peripheral artery tonometry and generates reproducible digital pulse wave amplitude before and during reactive hyperemia induced by brachial artery occlusion with a blood pressure cuff
Time frame: 12 month
Grip Strength
Grip strength with a dynamometer provides a digital reading of force
Time frame: 12 month
Ankle brachial index and pulse volume recording
The ABI and PVR assess regional lower extremity blood supply in large-vessels and contribution of collaterals
Time frame: 6 month
Ankle brachial index
The ABI assesses regional lower extremity blood supply in large-vessels and contribution of collaterals
Time frame: 12 month
Health related quality of life questionnaire
Functionality outcomes will be supported by the general (SF-36) and disease specific (Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire \[VascQol6\]) health related quality of life questionnaires.
Time frame: 6 month
Health related quality of life questionnaires
Functionality outcomes will be supported by the general (SF-36) and disease specific (Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire \[VascQol6\]) health related quality of life questionnaires.
Time frame: 12 month
Walking Impairment Questionnaire
A subjective measure of patient-reported walking performance developed for PAD
Time frame: 6 month
Walking Impairment Questionnaire
A subjective measure of patient-reported walking performance developed for PAD
Time frame: 12 month
Freedom from major cardiac and major limb events
Major cardiac events include: composite of CVD mortality, myocardial ischemia, coronary revascularization, hospitalization for heart failure, non-fatal stroke, and transient ischemic attack. Major adverse limb events include: composite of minor and major amputations, revascularization
Time frame: 12 month
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