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Critical IllnessPhase 3GLNDNCT00248638

Efficacy and Mechanisms of GLN Dipeptide in the SICU

A Phase 3 study testing Glutamine dipeptide with 15% Clinisol and 15% Clinisol in people with Critical Illness, run by Emory University at 5 sites in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Relative glutamine (GLN) deficiency may contribute to morbidity and mortality in surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients. During critical illness, GLN utilization by the immune system, gut mucosa and other tissues exceeds endogenous production and plasma GLN concentrations decrease, which may contribute to… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 90 years
Conditions the study is for
Critical Illness
What is being tested?
Glutamine dipeptide with 15% Clinisol and 15% Clinisol
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
150 participants
Where
5 sitesUnited States
Study dates
Sep 2006to Dec 2012
Phase
Phase 3
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 90 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Inclusion criteria: 1) A signed informed consent is in place on the patient's chart; 2) The patient is at least 18 but not more than 90 years of age at time of surgery; 3) The patient has a body mass index (BMI) < 40 kg/m2 prior to surgery; 4) The patient currently requires SICU care and is within 14 days postoperative from one of the following open (non-laparoscopic) surgical procedures: coronary artery bypass graft(CABG), cardiac valve, vascular (non-neurosurgical), or esophageal gastrointestinal resection of esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon and/or rectum), or operation to identify the source of peritonitis when there is evidence of a bowel perforation (with or without bowel resection); 5) The patient will require central venous PN for 7+ subsequent days after entry on a clinical basis≠; 6) There is central venous access for administration of the study PN; and 7) The patient's primary physician(s) will allow the investigative team to manage the study PN and enteral feedings during the current hospitalization.

Exclusion Criteria: 1) The patient is pregnant; 2) The patient has clinical sepsis [defined as unstable blood pressure despite pressor support AND mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 60 mm Hg on at least 3 consecutive readings within a 3-hour period during the 24 hours prior to study entry; 3) a) The patient has a current malignancy requiring surgery as the GLND qualifying operation OR b) the patient is currently receiving an active regimen of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to treat a previously diagnosed malignancy†; 4) The patient has a history of seizures or pre-existing seizure disorder; 5) The patient has a current encephalopathy*; 6) The patient has a known history of cirrhosis OR a serum total bilirubin level ≥ 10.0 mg/dL); 7) The patient has a history of chronic renal failure requiring dialysis, or has significant renal dysfunction (defined as serum creatinine > 2.5 mg/dL and is not receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) or the patient requires acute hemodialysis postoperatively; 8) The patient has a concomitant burn or trauma injury; 9) The patient has previously undergone an organ transplantation;10) the patient has a history of HIV/AIDS; 11) The patient has received any investigational drug within 60 days prior to study entry; 12) The patient has received enteral or parenteral enteral feedings enriched in arginine and/or glutamine within 30 days prior to study entry; and 13) The patient is unable or unwilling to participate in study procedures such as longitudinal blood draws and out patient follow-up visits, etc.

*Encephalopathy for GLND can be diagnosed only in non-chemically sedated patients by the primary critical care physicians or neurologist consultants and is defined as either a comatose state OR severe abnormalities diagnosed by electroencephalogram (EEG), OR if all of the following criteria are met: a) patient goes to sleep but is arousable to verbal and painful stimuli; does not open eyes spontaneously (decreased level of consciousness); b) patient exhibits severe confusion or complete disorientation when aroused (disorientation); c) patient exhibits severe lethargy or bizarre behavior (behavioral dysfunction); and d) patient exhibits inability to cooperate, asterixis, ataxia, clonus, decortication, decerebration, seizures, or rigidity (severe neuromuscular dysfunction).

† Patients with malignant metastasis and terminal untreatable carcinoma will be excluded as per the operational definition agreed upon by the Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB).

≠ Please note that the patient should be in the SICU at the initial PN hang time.

Trial locations and contacts

5 sites in 1 country.

5 sites in 1 country

United States5 sites
  • Emory University

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322

  • University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

    Denver, Colorado, 80262

  • University Of Wisconsin Hospital

    Madison, Wisconsin, 53792

  • Vanderbilt University

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37212-2713

  • The Miriam Hospital/Brown University

    Providence, Rhode Island, 02906

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Phase III Study on the Efficacy of Glutamine Dipeptide-Supplemented Parenteral Nutrition in Surgical ICU Patients

Relative glutamine (GLN) deficiency may contribute to morbidity and mortality in surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients. During critical illness, GLN utilization by the immune system, gut mucosa and other tissues exceeds endogenous production and plasma GLN concentrations decrease, which may contribute to cellular dysfunction and increase nosocomial infection risk and mortality. Conventional GLN-free parenteral nutrition (PN) has a limited impact on SICU outcomes and does not repair the GLN deficit. Recent pilot data show that GLN dipeptide-supplemented PN decreases nosocomial infections and improves clinical outcomes in SICU patients. The process of benefit is poorly understood, but animal and human data suggest that GLN treatment correlates with a) up-regulation of cytoprotective molecules in blood and tissues [e.g, GSH, specific heat shock proteins (HSPs) and GLN]; and b) improved epithelial barrier defenses and immune cell number and function. Properties of L-GLN limit provision in solution, but the GLN dipeptide alanyl-GLN (AG) confers stability and solubility in PN (AG-PN). Investigators propose a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled phase III trial based on our pilot data to test the hypothesis that AG-PN improves clinical outcomes in SICU patients requiring PN after cardiac, vascular or colonic operations. Subjects will receive either standard GLN-free PN or isocaloric, isonitrogenous, AG-PN until enteral feeds are established. Specific Aim 1 is to determine whether AG-PN decreases hospital mortality, nosocomial infection and other important indices of morbidity. Specific Aim 2 is to obtain novel, mechanistically relevant observational data in the Aim 1 subjects on whether AG-PN a) increases serial blood levels of GSH, HSP-70 and -27, and GLN; b) decreases the presence in serum of the bacterial products flagellin and LPS and the adaptive immune response to these mediators; and c) improves key indices of innate/adaptive immunity. This study is designed to delineate the clinical benefit of a major new nutrition support strategy in high-risk SICU patients.

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Read the detailed description

Overview: Relative deficiency of glutamine (GLN) appears to contribute to morbidity and mortality in surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients, but conventional nutrition support does not repair this deficit. GLN requirements increase during critical illness when utilization by the immune system, gut mucosa and other tissues exceeds endogenous production. GLN depletion under these conditions may contribute to hospital morbidity and mortality. Conventional parenteral nutrition (PN) does not contain GLN and thus does not prevent GLN depletion in catabolic patients. However, a pilot study and other reports strongly suggest that GLN-supplemented PN improves metabolic and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Underlying mechanisms for GLN action are poorly understood, but may involve systemic upregulation of the cytoprotective molecules glutathione (GSH), specific heat shock proteins (HSP) and GLN itself, improved gut barrier defenses, and improved innate and/or adaptive immune function. Properties of L-GLN limit provision in PN, but the dipeptide alanyl-glutamine (AG) confers stability and solubility in PN solutions. The pilot study demonstrated a marked decrease in nosocomial infection, improved indices of organ function, and a possible decrease in hospital mortality in SICU patients receiving AG-supplemented PN (AG-PN) versus standard, GLN-free PN (STD-PN). Investigators propose a multi-center, double-blind, controlled, Phase III trial, based on a pilot study, that will determine the effect of parenteral GLN on important clinical outcomes in patients requiring SICU care and PN after cardiac, vascular or colonic surgery. Investigators also propose to obtain needed hypothesis-generating, descriptive data from the Aim 1 study subjects to inform subsequent, truly mechanistic studies of GLN action in animal and human models of surgical critical illness. Study subjects will be randomized on an intent-to-treat basis to receive AG-PN or isonitrogenous, isocaloric STD-PN until enteral feeding is established.

Hypotheses:

  1. SICU patients receiving PN supplemented with GLN dipeptide (AG-PN) will demonstrate improved clinical outcomes compared to patients receiving STD-PN.
  2. Administration of AG-PN in the Aim 1 study subjects: a) increases serial blood levels of specific cytoprotective molecules and improves systemic redox status; b) is associated with decreased serum positivity for the bacterial products flagellin and lipopolysaccharide ( LPS) and the adaptive immune response to these mediators; and c) improves key indices of innate/adaptive immunity.

Specific Aims:

Aim 1: To perform a Phase III randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine whether AG-PN decreases hospital mortality, nosocomial infections, and other indices of hospital morbidity versus STD-PN in SICU patients. The study will test whether AG-PN: decreases hospital mortality and the incidence of nosocomial infection (primary endpoints) in SICU patients after cardiac, vascular or colonic surgery. We will also determine whether AG-PN decreases total hospital infections, bloodstream infections (BSI), infections due to Staphylococcus aureus or fungal species, the number of days patients require mechanical ventilation, the SICU and total hospital length of stay and the 6-month mortality rate (secondary endpoints).

Aim 2: To determine in the Aim 1 study subjects whether AG-PN: a) increases systemic blood concentrations of the cytoprotective molecules GSH, HSP-70, HSP-27 and GLN and improves systemic GSH and cysteine redox status; b) is associated with decreased serum positivity for the bacterial products flagellin and LPS and titers of anti-flagellin and anti-LPS immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG); and c) improves key indices of innate/adaptive immune cell function.

Being tested
Glutamine dipeptide with 15% Clinisol, 15% Clinisol
Medical subject headings
Critical Illness

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Glutamine dipeptide with 15% ClinisolDrug

    Also called Alanyl-glutamine Dipeptide, Dipeptiven

    Subjects randomized to AG-PN will receive PN containing 0.5 g/kg/day of L alanyl L GLN (AG) dipeptide (Dipeptiven 20%; Fresenius-Kabi) and 1.0 g/kg/day of 15% Clinisol (Baxter Inc., Deerfield, IL) AA solution (total = 1.5 g/kg/day, with AG replacing 1/3 of Clinisol AA). The amount of GLN dipeptide administered each day will be determined by daily PN volume intake data.

  • 15% ClinisolDrug

    Subjects randomized to STD-PN will receive 1.5 g/kg/day of 15% Clinisol. The amount of Clinisol administered each day will be determined by daily PN volume intake data.

Study groups in NCT00248638
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Glutamine dipeptideActive comparatorGlutamine dipeptide supplemented nutrition to be given to participants.
Receives: Drug: Glutamine dipeptide with 15% Clinisol
standardPlacebo comparatorParticipants given standard nutrition without glutamine dipeptide
Receives: Drug: 15% Clinisol

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Hospital Mortality Rate

    Number of participants who died during hospitalization.

    Measured: Current Hospitalization (Up to 6 Months)

  2. Percentage of Patients Who do Not Develop Hospital Infections

    Subjects remaining infection-free during the hospitalization.

    Measured: Current Hospitalization (Up to 6 Months)

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Mean Glutathione Level

    Glutathione (GSH) levels will be measured in µM (micro moles) from baseline to day 28. Higher levels indicate a higher GSH presence.

    Measured: Baseline, Day 3, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28

  2. Mean Heat Shock Proteins Level, HSP70

    Levels of the heat shock protein,HSP70, will be measured in ng/mL from baseline to day 28. Higher levels indicate a higher protein presence.

    Measured: Baseline, Day 3, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28

  3. Mean Heat Shock Proteins Level, HSP27

    Levels of the heat shock protein, HSP27, will be measured in pg/mL from baseline to day 28. Higher levels indicate a higher protein presence.

    Measured: Baseline, Day 3, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted4 Nov 2005 (estimated)
  2. Study startSep 2006
  3. Primary completionDec 2012
  4. Study completionDec 2012

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator
Enrolment
150 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT00248638
Sponsor's protocol ID
IRB00024944
Other IDs
U01DK069322, DK69322
Acronym
GLND
Status last verified
Jan 2018
First submitted
3 Nov 2005
Last updated
23 Jan 2018
Data monitoring committee
Yes

Publications

  • Ziegler TR, May AK, Hebbar G, Easley KA, Griffith DP, Dave N, Collier BR, Cotsonis GA, Hao L, Leong T, Manatunga AK, Rosenberg ES, Jones DP, Martin GS, Jensen GL, Sax HC, Kudsk KA, Galloway JR, Blumberg HM, Evans ME, Wischmeyer PE. Efficacy and Safety of Glutamine-supplemented Parenteral Nutrition in Surgical ICU Patients: An American Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Ann Surg. 2016 Apr;263(4):646-55. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000001487.

    PubMed 26501700

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing Glutamine dipeptide with 15% Clinisol and 15% Clinisol in people with Critical Illness, run by Emory University at 5 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Jan 2018. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 5 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 13 Feb 2014). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Hospital Mortality Rate (time frame: Current Hospitalization (Up to 6 Months)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT00248638, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Jan 2018; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.

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