Chronic Heart FailurePhase 2NCT04575428
Splanchnic Nerve Block for Therapy of Chronic Heart Failure (Splanchnic III)
A Phase 2 study testing Splanchnic nerve block in people with Chronic Heart Failure, run by Duke University at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Splanchnic vasoconstriction may contribute to decompensation of chronic heart failure (HF) via volume redistribution from the splanchnic vascular bed to the central compartment. This is a sympathetically mediated reflex and can be interrupted through a splanchnic nerve block (SNB). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 90 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Heart Failure
- What is being tested?
- Splanchnic nerve block
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 5 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 5 Feb 2020to 16 Jun 2021
- Phase
- Phase 2
- 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
Who may be able to join
- Followed at DUMC for known or suspected diagnosis of HF (NYHA stage 2-4, Class C-D), including patients on inotropic medication
- Systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 100 mmHg
- History of HF hospitalization or ER visit or iv diuretic use in last 12 months.
- Patients will be included regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction.
Who cannot join
- Anticoagulation at the time the procedure or in case of recent warfarin use an INR >1.4. Anticoagulation includes: warfarin, or novel oral anticoagulants like dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, endoxaban or full dose intravenous heparin products or bivalirudin and fondaparinux). Antiplatelet agents besides aspirin such as ticagrelor, prasugrel, Plavix are also considered to be a contraindication if used at time point of procedure.
- Immunosuppressive medications for solid organ transplant
- Acute MI (STEMI or Type I NSTEMI) within 7 days?
- Evidence of progressive cardiogenic shock within 48 hours
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- Constrictive pericarditis
Show all 11Show fewer
- Pericardial effusion with evidence of tamponade
- Severe valvular stenosis requiring intervention
- Known history of an increased bleeding risk
- Thrombocytopenia (< 50,000)
- End-stage renal disease CKD stage 5 due to primary renal pathology
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina, 27710
About this study
Splanchnic vasoconstriction may contribute to decompensation of chronic heart failure (HF) via volume redistribution from the splanchnic vascular bed to the central compartment. This is a sympathetically mediated reflex and can be interrupted through a splanchnic nerve block (SNB). We hypothesize that interruption of the efferent/afferent innervation of the splanchnic vasculature will decrease cardiac congestion in patients presenting with HF. Based on preliminary safety and efficacy data in acute and chronic heart failure patients with temporary (<24 h) SNB. Now we will apply a prolonged SNB in chronic heart failure patients using a long acting agent. We will test the effects of SNB on long term exercise capacitance.
Read the detailed description
Activation of splanchnic nerves results in vasoconstriction and reduces splanchnic capacitance, therefore recruiting blood volume into the central circulation. In heart failure, a reduced splanchnic vascular capacitance could be the mechanism underlying symptoms of exercise intolerance and could predispose to rapid decompensation with external fluid intake or retention. A compromised vascular reservoir is likely unable to buffer shifts of fluid and actively contributes to the acute or chronic expulsion of fluid from the splanchnic vascular compartment to the central thoracic compartment. The redistribution of blood volume into the central circulation may lead to a sudden rise in pulmonary and left-sided cardiac pressures in HF. This makes the splanchnic vascular compartment an attractive target in heart failure. Our preliminary proof-of-concept work in patients with acute decompensated and chronic heart failure showed promise for the concept of splanchnic nerve modulation in heart failure. In a series of two small first-in-human studies for acute decompensated heart failure (N=13) (NCT02669407) and chronic heart failure (N=17) (NCT03453151), we found that a splanchnic nerve block (SNB) with lidocaine (90 min duration of action) and ropivacaine (24 hours duration of action) acutely reduced resting and exercise-induced intra-cardiac filling pressures, associated with improved patient symptoms and functional capacity.
The present study will be a prospective open-label pilot study to help establish feasibility, safety and enable dose finding for botulinumtoxin. Following a baseline invasive (right heart catheterization) cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) patients will undergo unilateral celiac plexus block, followed by repeat hemodynamic testing. Functional testing at baseline and follow up will be supplemented by measures of blood volume and autonomic tone.
- Conditions
- Chronic Heart Failure
- Being tested
- Splanchnic nerve block
- Keywords
- heart failure, exercise, splanchnic nerve block
- Medical subject headings
- Heart Failure, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Splanchnic nerve blockDrug
Percutaneous splanchnic nerve block
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Splanchnic nerve block | Experimental | Not described Receives: Drug: Splanchnic nerve block |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Peak Exercise Wedge Pressure
Measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Measured: 4 weeks
Peak Pulmonary Arterial Pressure
Measured on exercise cardiopulmonary stress test
Measured: 4 weeks
Absence of Nerve Block Related Complications
Assessment of orthostasis, gastrointestinal symptoms were observed
Measured: 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (5)
Peak Oxygen Uptake
Measured: 4 weeks
Resting Wedge Pressure
Assessed with right heart cath
Measured: 4 weeks
Resting Central Venous Pressure
Assessed with right heart cath
Measured: 4 weeks
Resting Pulmonary Arterial Pressure
Assessed on right heart catheterization
Measured: 4 weeks
Dyspnea - Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
The VAS for dyspnea has a range of 0 to 100, where 0 corresponds to the patient's subjective feeling of "I Can Breathe Normally" and a score of 100 corresponds to "I Can't Breathe At All."
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Oct 2020
- Study start5 Feb 2020
- Primary completion16 Jun 2021
- Study completion16 Jun 2021
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 Chronic Heart FailureStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Duke UniversityThe 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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 5 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Duke University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Marat Fudim, MD, MHS, Principal investigator, Duke Universtiy
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04575428
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Pro00103788
- Status last verified
- May 2023
- First submitted
- 20 Aug 2020
- Last updated
- 27 Jun 2023
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- Yes
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Jun 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Splanchnic Nerve Block for Therapy of Chronic Heart Failure (Splanchnic III)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04575428
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Pro00103788
- Conditions
- Chronic Heart Failure
- Keywords
- heart failure, exercise, splanchnic nerve block
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 5 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Duke UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Feb 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 16 Jun 2021 (actual)
- Study completion
- 16 Jun 2021 (actual)
- First posted
- 5 Oct 2020 (actual)
- Results
- Posted 15 Jun 2023
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Splanchnic vasoconstriction may contribute to decompensation of chronic heart failure (HF) via volume redistribution from the splanchnic vascular bed to the central compartment. This is a sympathetically mediated reflex and can be interrupted through a splanchnic nerve block (SNB). We hypothesize that interruption of the efferent/afferent innervation of the splanchnic vasculature will decrease cardiac congestion in patients presenting with HF. Based on preliminary safety and efficacy data in acute and chronic heart failure patients with temporary (<24 h) SNB. Now we will apply a prolonged SNB in chronic heart failure patients using a long acting agent. We will test the effects of SNB on long term exercise capacitance.
Detailed description
Activation of splanchnic nerves results in vasoconstriction and reduces splanchnic capacitance, therefore recruiting blood volume into the central circulation. In heart failure, a reduced splanchnic vascular capacitance could be the mechanism underlying symptoms of exercise intolerance and could predispose to rapid decompensation with external fluid intake or retention. A compromised vascular reservoir is likely unable to buffer shifts of fluid and actively contributes to the acute or chronic expulsion of fluid from the splanchnic vascular compartment to the central thoracic compartment. The redistribution of blood volume into the central circulation may lead to a sudden rise in pulmonary and left-sided cardiac pressures in HF. This makes the splanchnic vascular compartment an attractive target in heart failure. Our preliminary proof-of-concept work in patients with acute decompensated and chronic heart failure showed promise for the concept of splanchnic nerve modulation in heart failure. In a series of two small first-in-human studies for acute decompensated heart failure (N=13) (NCT02669407) and chronic heart failure (N=17) (NCT03453151), we found that a splanchnic nerve block (SNB) with lidocaine (90 min duration of action) and ropivacaine (24 hours duration of action) acutely reduced resting and exercise-induced intra-cardiac filling pressures, associated with improved patient symptoms and functional capacity.
The present study will be a prospective open-label pilot study to help establish feasibility, safety and enable dose finding for botulinumtoxin. Following a baseline invasive (right heart catheterization) cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) patients will undergo unilateral celiac plexus block, followed by repeat hemodynamic testing. Functional testing at baseline and follow up will be supplemented by measures of blood volume and autonomic tone.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Splanchnic nerve block | Experimental | Drug: Splanchnic nerve block |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 90 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Followed at DUMC for known or suspected diagnosis of HF (NYHA stage 2-4, Class C-D), including patients on inotropic medication
- Systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 100 mmHg
- History of HF hospitalization or ER visit or iv diuretic use in last 12 months.
- Patients will be included regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction.
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Anticoagulation at the time the procedure or in case of recent warfarin use an INR >1.4. Anticoagulation includes: warfarin, or novel oral anticoagulants like dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, endoxaban or full dose intravenous heparin products or bivalirudin and fondaparinux). Antiplatelet agents besides aspirin such as ticagrelor, prasugrel, Plavix are also considered to be a contraindication if used at time point of procedure.
- Immunosuppressive medications for solid organ transplant
- Acute MI (STEMI or Type I NSTEMI) within 7 days?
- Evidence of progressive cardiogenic shock within 48 hours
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Splanchnic nerve blockPercutaneous splanchnic nerve block | Drug | Splanchnic nerve block |
Primary outcome
Peak Exercise Wedge Pressure
Time frame: 4 weeks
Measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Peak Pulmonary Arterial Pressure
Time frame: 4 weeks
Measured on exercise cardiopulmonary stress test
Absence of Nerve Block Related Complications
Time frame: 8 weeks
Assessment of orthostasis, gastrointestinal symptoms were observed
5 secondary outcomes
Peak Oxygen Uptake
Time frame: 4 weeks
Resting Wedge Pressure
Time frame: 4 weeks
Resting Central Venous Pressure
Time frame: 4 weeks
Resting Pulmonary Arterial Pressure
Time frame: 4 weeks
Dyspnea - Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: 4 weeks
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 Jun 2023.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Marat Fudim, MD, MHS principal investigator
Duke Universtiy
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 2 study testing Splanchnic nerve block in people with Chronic Heart Failure, run by Duke University 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 11 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 27 Jun 2023. 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.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
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 15 Jun 2023). 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?
Peak Exercise Wedge Pressure (time frame: 4 weeks). The study lists 3 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 27 Jun 2023; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.