SchizophreniaNCT02033382
Biomarkers in First Episode Schizophrenia
An observational study of Schizophrenia and Schizophreniform Disorder, run by NYU Langone Health at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
This study will identify and evaluate relevant biomarkers and structural brain imaging for understanding potential biological illness related mechanisms in medication-naïve subjects with early psychosis before and after initiation of antipsychotic medication Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 16 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Depressed Type
- How many people
- 165 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Jul 2012to Dec 2014
- Phase
- Observational
- 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 16 to 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Study population: Subjects will be 70 patients, ages 15-40, with first episode schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder with onset before age 35 who are medication naive and do not meet criteria for major depression or significant suicidal ideation or substance abuse (except nicotine) and 70 age and gender matched healthy controls. Subjects will be recruited by physicians in the Bellevue Hospital emergency room, outpatient clinic and on the Bellevue psychiatric inpatient units as well as through the inpatient / outpatient services at Shanghai Mental Health Center . Potential subjects will be identified by clinicians and asked whether they would like to speak to a researcher. Healthy subjects will be recruited through advertising by using a flyer.
Who may be able to join
- Male or female
- Ages 15-40 years
- Schizophrenia, any subtype or Schizophreniform disorder
- Sufficient proficiency in English or Spanish to complete assessments (US)
Who cannot join
- Major depression by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria
- Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) score of 7 or greater.
- Clinical Global Assessment of Severity of Suicidality of 3 (moderate) or greater.
- Serious suicide attempt within three years
- Treatment with an antipsychotic or antidepressant within the last six months
- Active alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence within one month
- Unstable medical illness
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
This study will identify and evaluate relevant biomarkers and structural brain imaging for understanding potential biological illness related mechanisms in medication-naïve subjects with early psychosis before and after initiation of antipsychotic medication
Read the detailed description
It is currently unknown whether deterioration early in the course of psychotic illness represents medication toxicity or the natural course of the illness. The study will help clarify this issue in observing 70 schizophrenic patients before and after they are prescribed an antipsychotic via standard of care.
In addition, schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder and a putative brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) deficit, while possibly a common pathway, may not fully capture the biological diversity-the supplemental biomarkers will allow us to perform a more comprehensive assessment of factors contributing to clinical course. Taken together analysis of these biomarkers in relation to clinical course and in relation to healthy subjects will inform us about biological mechanisms contributing to illness onset, effects of antipsychotic medication on these mechanisms, and the predictive value of the biomarkers for clinical course. This information will provide the foundation for future early intervention trials targeting biological mechanisms utilizing a personalized medicine approach.
The baseline visit for 70 schizophrenic patients and 70 healthy age and gender matched controls consists of structural and functional MRI in addition to a blood draw for biomarkers including BDNF, inflammation markers, DNA, oxidative stress, and folate status and additionally a salivary cortisol sample collection. Biomarkers and imaging will be repeated after 8 weeks of antipsychotic treatment in patients.
- Medical subject headings
- Schizophrenia, Psychotic Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Controls | Age and gender matched healthy controls | |
| Patients | Participants diagnosed with Schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, or schizoaffective disorder, depressed type that are naive to anti-psychotic treatment. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Biomarkers
Compare biomarkers for inflammation, BDNF, oxidative stress, glucocorticoids and folate/methylation status in medication-naïve schizophrenia/schizophreniform subjects and matched healthy controls to identify illness-related factors.
Measured: Baseline
Salivary Cortisol Levels
Compare biomarkers at baseline and after 8 weeks of risperidone treatment in medication-naïve schizophrenia/schizophreniform subjects to identify treatment-related factors.
Since Blood and Saliva was only collected from First Episode participants (FEP) at week 8 (not from healthy controls) these results only report the baseline and week 8 biomarker levels for FEP participants who completed week 8.
Measured: Baseline and week 8
Salivary Cortisol Levels
Compare biomarkers for stress (salivary cortisol) in medication-naïve schizophrenia/schizophreniform subjects and matched healthy controls to identify illness-related factors.
Measured: Baseline
Change in Salivary Cortisol Levels
Compare salivary cortisol at baseline and after 8 weeks of risperidone treatment in medication-naïve schizophrenia/schizophreniform subjects to identify treatment-related factors.
Since Blood and Saliva was only collected from First Episode participants (FEP) at week 8 (not from healthy controls) these results only report the baseline and week 8 biomarker levels for FEP participants who completed week 8.
Measured: Baseline and week 8
Secondary outcomes (3)
Left Hippocampal Volumetric Integrity (HVI)
Compare hippocampal volume in medication-naïve schizophrenia/schizophreniform subjects and healthy controls and examine whether biomarkers predict differences between groups in baseline hippocampal volume.
Measured: Baseline
Cognitive Performance
Compare cognitive performance on the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) in medication- naïve schizophrenia/schizophreniform subjects and healthy controls and examine whether biomarkers predict differences between groups in baseline cognitive performance. The composite score on the MCCB is calculated by the software using all tests administered. The composite score is a t-score assuming the mean score (50%) is the normative performance of the general population. The composite score ranges from 0-100 with a standard deviation of 10. A score greater than 50 implies a score better than the average population norm and a score less than 50 indicates performance worse than the general population norm.
For schizophrenia subjects who complete 8 weeks of antipsychotic treatment, week 8 MATRICS testing results will be used to minimize the effect of psychosis on cognitive performance.
Measured: Baseline, week 8
Annualized Change in Left Hippocampal Volume Integrity
Compare hippocampal volume in medication-naïve schizophrenia/schizophreniform subjects before and after 8 weeks treatment with antipsychotic to assess evidence for early neurotoxicity.
This outcome measure reports annualized rate of change in Left Hippocampal Volume Integrity (LHVI) because a few participants had a delay in their week 8 visit.
Measured: Baseline, week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Jan 2014 (estimated)
- Study startJul 2012
- Primary completionDec 2014
- Study completionDec 2014
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Other trials for SchizophreniaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by NYU Langone HealthThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 165 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- NYU Langone Health
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02033382
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 12-02903
- Status last verified
- Jan 2021
- First submitted
- 7 Jan 2014
- Last updated
- 14 Jan 2021
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jan 2021. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Biomarkers in First Episode Schizophrenia
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02033382
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 12-02903
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 165 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- NYU Langone HealthUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Jul 2012
- Primary completion
- Dec 2014 (actual)
- Study completion
- Dec 2014 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Jan 2014 (estimated)
- Results
- Posted 14 Jan 2021
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study will identify and evaluate relevant biomarkers and structural brain imaging for understanding potential biological illness related mechanisms in medication-naïve subjects with early psychosis before and after initiation of antipsychotic medication
Detailed description
It is currently unknown whether deterioration early in the course of psychotic illness represents medication toxicity or the natural course of the illness. The study will help clarify this issue in observing 70 schizophrenic patients before and after they are prescribed an antipsychotic via standard of care.
In addition, schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder and a putative brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) deficit, while possibly a common pathway, may not fully capture the biological diversity-the supplemental biomarkers will allow us to perform a more comprehensive assessment of factors contributing to clinical course. Taken together analysis of these biomarkers in relation to clinical course and in relation to healthy subjects will inform us about biological mechanisms contributing to illness onset, effects of antipsychotic medication on these mechanisms, and the predictive value of the biomarkers for clinical course. This information will provide the foundation for future early intervention trials targeting biological mechanisms utilizing a personalized medicine approach.
The baseline visit for 70 schizophrenic patients and 70 healthy age and gender matched controls consists of structural and functional MRI in addition to a blood draw for biomarkers including BDNF, inflammation markers, DNA, oxidative stress, and folate status and additionally a salivary cortisol sample collection. Biomarkers and imaging will be repeated after 8 weeks of antipsychotic treatment in patients.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Controls | – | –Age and gender matched healthy controls |
| Patients | – | –Participants diagnosed with Schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, or schizoaffective disorder, depressed type that are naive to anti-psychotic treatment. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 16 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
- Study population
- Subjects will be 70 patients, ages 15-40, with first episode schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder with onset before age 35 who are medication naive and do not meet criteria for major depression or significant suicidal ideation or substance abuse (except nicotine) and 70 age and gender matched healthy controls. Subjects will be recruited by physicians in the Bellevue Hospital emergency room, outpatient clinic and on the Bellevue psychiatric inpatient units as well as through the inpatient / outpatient services at Shanghai Mental Health Center . Potential subjects will be identified by clinicians and asked whether they would like to speak to a researcher. Healthy subjects will be recruited through advertising by using a flyer.
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Male or female
- Ages 15-40 years
- Schizophrenia, any subtype or Schizophreniform disorder
- Sufficient proficiency in English or Spanish to complete assessments (US)
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Major depression by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria
- Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) score of 7 or greater.
- Clinical Global Assessment of Severity of Suicidality of 3 (moderate) or greater.
- Serious suicide attempt within three years
- Treatment with an antipsychotic or antidepressant within the last six months
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Biomarkers
Time frame: Baseline
Compare biomarkers for inflammation, BDNF, oxidative stress, glucocorticoids and folate/methylation status in medication-naïve schizophrenia/schizophreniform subjects and matched healthy controls to identify illness-related factors.
Salivary Cortisol Levels
Time frame: Baseline and week 8
Compare biomarkers at baseline and after 8 weeks of risperidone treatment in medication-naïve schizophrenia/schizophreniform subjects to identify treatment-related factors. Since Blood and Saliva was only collected from First Episode participants (FEP) at week 8 (not from healthy controls) these results only report the baseline and week 8 biomarker levels for FEP participants who completed week 8.
Salivary Cortisol Levels
Time frame: Baseline
Compare biomarkers for stress (salivary cortisol) in medication-naïve schizophrenia/schizophreniform subjects and matched healthy controls to identify illness-related factors.
Change in Salivary Cortisol Levels
Time frame: Baseline and week 8
Compare salivary cortisol at baseline and after 8 weeks of risperidone treatment in medication-naïve schizophrenia/schizophreniform subjects to identify treatment-related factors. Since Blood and Saliva was only collected from First Episode participants (FEP) at week 8 (not from healthy controls) these results only report the baseline and week 8 biomarker levels for FEP participants who completed week 8.
3 secondary outcomes
Left Hippocampal Volumetric Integrity (HVI)
Time frame: Baseline
Cognitive Performance
Time frame: Baseline, week 8
Annualized Change in Left Hippocampal Volume Integrity
Time frame: Baseline, week 8
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Jan 2021.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Schizophrenia and Schizophreniform Disorder, run by NYU Langone Health at 1 site 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?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. 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 14 Jan 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site 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. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 14 Jan 2021). 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?
Biomarkers (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 14 Jan 2021.