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Fluid Retention TissueNIIDNCT06405282

Weightlessness Associated Cephalad Fluid Shifts; The Potential to Evaluate Venous and Lymphatic Dysfunction

An observational study of Fluid Retention Tissue and Perfusion; Complications, run by Nova Southeastern University at 1 site 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

In the weightlessness of space and significant alterations of terrestrial 1 g (1 gravity equivalent) head-to-foot hydrostatic pressure gradients, astronauts experience a dramatic fluid redistribution of ~ 2 liters from the legs to the head and neck within the first 24-48 hours of flight, among other cardiovascular and… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 45 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Near infrared spectroscopy and Temperature
Type of treatment
Medical device
How many people
15 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
14 Apr 2022to 25 Jun 2022
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

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 45 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Study population: Healthy students between the ages of 18 and 45.

Who may be able to join

  • Students at Nova Southeastern University
  • Aged 18-45 years
  • Body Mass Index ranging from 18.5 to 24.9
  • No known lymphatic dysfunction
  • Written informed consent

Who cannot join

  • On blood pressure medications
  • On vasodilation medications
  • Uses any form of nicotine

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33328

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: The Use of Non-Invasive Imaging Devices (NIID) to Detect Temperature Differentiation and Lymphatic/Venous Flow to the Head and Neck During Head Down Tilt Position Before and After Manual Lymphatic Drainage: The NIID Study

In the weightlessness of space and significant alterations of terrestrial 1 g (1 gravity equivalent) head-to-foot hydrostatic pressure gradients, astronauts experience a dramatic fluid redistribution of ~ 2 liters from the legs to the head and neck within the first 24-48 hours of flight, among other cardiovascular and physiologic system adaptations. After only 4 days in the weightlessness of low earth orbit (LEO), changes can be seen in baroreceptor responsiveness, causing orthostatic hypotension upon subsequent return to Earth. Fluid shifts may also result in headaches, congestion or facial puffiness that can contribute to deteriorating sleep patterns. The ability to manage, mitigate, or offset these fluid shifts is vital to maintain nominal health for short and long duration space flight and potentially improve readaptation to terrestrial gravity or other surface gravity fields, such as the moon or Mars. Fluid shifts towards the cephalic region during microgravity have been speculated to contribute towards spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). SANS is a distinct, microgravity-induced phenomenon of neuro-ophthalmic findings observed in astronauts following long-duration spaceflight including choroidal folds, optic disc edema, posterior globe flattening, refractive shift, and cerebral fluid shifts noted to be persistent at 6-month post-flight MRI scans. Thus, noninvasive approaches to studying real-time fluid shifts in weightlessness could serve as critical areas of research to further SANS study and effective countermeasure protocol development. For continuous fluid shift monitoring and management, the goal is to establish baseline assessments utilizing real-time point- of-care noninvasive imaging devices (NIID).

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy reduces lymphatic fluid in the affected limb, head, and neck to improve function and prevent progression of fluid build-up. MLD is a therapeutic massage that delivers light pressure through the skin to stimulate lymphatic vessel function. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in lymphatic function and pain following MLD.

The main objectives of this pilot, retrospective study were to use NIID to examine temperature differential alterations, superficial venous flow patterns (head, neck, upper torso), and venous flow patterns along the lymphatic ventromedial bundles of the medial calves and thighs when in the 6-degree head down tilt (HDT) validated space analogue position and to analyze the effect of MLD therapy administered in the HDT position on lymphatic flow and temperature. HDT is the best validated space analogue currently available for evaluation of fluid redistribution in a timely manner.

Read the detailed description

Under the influence of standard developmental physiology on the Earth's surface (1 g), 70% of body fluids reside below the level of the heart. The lymphatic system has the capacity and capability to transport fluid from distal to proximal in an upward manner, against gravity and tissue pressure gradients, via lymphangion contractility, leg muscle contraction, respiratory and chest wall function, thus augmenting a "suction effect" for pumping lymphatic fluid within the subatmospheric pressure tissue distribution zones (the Guyton principle). Lymphatic drainage of the head and neck must be assisted by gravity, since these regions are above the level of the heart. In the weightlessness of space and significant alterations of terrestrial 1 g head-to-foot hydrostatic pressure gradients, astronauts experience a dramatic fluid redistribution of ~ 2 liters from the legs to the head and neck within the first 24-48 hours of flight, among other cardiovascular and physiologic system adaptations. After only 4 days in the weightlessness of LEO, changes can be seen in baroreceptor responsiveness, causing orthostatic hypotension upon subsequent return to Earth. Fluid shifts may also result in headaches, congestion, or facial puffiness that can contribute to deteriorating sleep patterns. The ability to manage, mitigate, or offset these fluid shifts is vital to maintain nominal health for short and long duration space flight and potentially improve readaptation to terrestrial gravity or other surface gravity fields, such as the moon or Mars. Fluid shifts towards the cephalic region during microgravity have been speculated to contribute towards spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). SANS is a distinct, microgravity-induced phenomenon of neuro-ophthalmic findings observed in astronauts following long-duration spaceflight including choroidal folds, optic disc edema, posterior globe flattening, refractive shift, and cerebral fluid shifts noted to be persistent at 6-month post-flight MRI scans. Thus, noninvasive approaches to studying real-time fluid shifts in weightlessness could serve as critical areas of research to further SANS study and effective countermeasure protocol development. For continuous fluid shift monitoring and management, the goal is to establish baseline assessments utilizing real-time point-of-care NIID.

MLD therapy reduces lymphatic fluid in the affected limb, head, and neck to improve function and prevent progression of fluid build-up. MLD is a therapeutic massage that delivers light pressure through the skin to stimulate lymphatic vessel function. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in lymphatic function and pain following MLD.

The main objectives of this pilot, retrospective case series were to use 4 standard-of-care NIIDs to examine temperature differential alterations, superficial venous flow patterns (head, neck, upper torso), and venous flow patterns along the lymphatic ventromedial bundles of the medial calves and thighs when in the 6-degree HDT space analogue position and to analyze the effect of MLD therapy administered in the HDT position on lymphatic flow and temperature. We hypothesize that dermal venous and lymphatic flow patterns of the head, neck, upper torso, and ventromedial bundle flow patterns shifted to cephalad (dermal interstitial fluid increase) and were reversed following MLD therapy in the 6-degree HDT position. More specifically, MLD therapy could alter lymphatic contractility flow patterns and interstitial fluid, in addition to temperature differentials, in the 6-degree HDT position.

The following imaging devices were used to measure fluid redistribution and temperature in the HDT: near-infrared spectroscopy imaging device (SnapShotNIR, Kent Imaging, Calgary, Canada) to capture perfusion changes through and superficial oxygenation saturation measurements; long-wave infrared and wound imaging device (WoundVision Scout, WoundVision, Indianapolis, IN) to capture thermal images measuring physiological temperature differentiation; Lymphatic fluid scanning device (LymphScanner, Delfin Technologies, Miami, FL, USA) to measure percentage water content [tissue dielectric constant (TDC)] consistent with lymphatic flow patterns and interstitial fluid alterations related to positioning.

Being tested
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Near infrared spectroscopy, Temperature, Tissue Dialectic Constant
Keywords
dermal flow, venous flow, fluid shift, manual lymphatic drainage, blood circulation, space simulation, diagnostic imaging, tissue temperature gradient
Medical subject headings
Edema

What participants receive

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

  • Manual Lymphatic DrainageOther

    MLD is a gentle manual technique used to decongest swollen areas and redirect lymphatic flow to non-congested areas

  • Near infrared spectroscopyDevice

    Also called Kent Snapshot

    Oxygen saturation measurement

  • TemperatureDevice

    Also called Long wave infrared, Wound Vision Scout

    Thermal imaging

  • Tissue Dialectic ConstantDevice

    Also called TDC, Delfin Lymphscanner

    TDC captured by lymphatic fluid scanning device

Study groups in NCT06405282
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Healthy students of the Health Professions Division of NSUParticipants arrived at a predesignated room and acclimated to the ambient temperature for 15 minutes. Baseline heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation were taken and monitored throughout the data collection process. Participants were assessed in the HDT position (validated simulated weightlessness) for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Baseline image assessments were taken 1 minute after assuming the HDT position. Subsequent image assessments were taken every 30 minutes thereafter. Each image acquisition requires ~20 seconds and was performed by 1 of 4 trained imagers. Participants received 15 minutes of an established MLD protocol to the head, neck, and thorax before moving out of position. Immediately post-MLD, reassessment with the devices occurred. A follow-up reassessment was taken with the devices 30 minutes after MLD in the sitting position to assess potential changes and resolution of any symptoms experienced following a return to gravity environment.
Receives: Other: Manual Lymphatic Drainage; Device: Near infrared spectroscopy; Device: Temperature; Device: Tissue Dialectic Constant

What is being measured

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

  1. Percent change (%) in TDC level from baseline

    TDC is a measurement of local tissue water content. The lymphatic fluid scanner will assess TDC levels at the timepoints listed below. The outcome measure is the percent change in these levels to assess change in interstitial fluid in simulated microgravity; the unit is percentage.

    Measured: Baseline, post-30 minutes, post-60 minutes, post-90 minutes, post-120 minutes, post-150 minutes, post-180 minutes, post-195 minutes (post-MLD), and post-225 minutes (30-minutes-post-MLD)

  2. Percent change (%) in tissue oxygenation saturation level from baseline

    Tissue oxygenation saturation is an indicator of perfusion changes. NIRS will assess tissue oxygenation at the timepoints listed below. The outcome measure is the percent change in these levels to assess perfusion changes in simulated microgravity; the unit is percentage.

    Measured: Baseline, post-30 minutes, post-60 minutes, post-90 minutes, post-120 minutes, post-150 minutes, post-180 minutes, post-195 minutes (post-MLD), and post-225 minutes (30-minutes-post-MLD).

  3. Percent change (%) in tissue temperature gradient from baseline

    Tissue temperature gradient measures the change in temperature at an area of interest compared to surrounding tissues. Fluid shifts are associated with tissue temperature alterations. LWIT will assess the tissue temperature gradient at the timepoints listed below. The outcome measure is the percent change in temperature gradients to assess changes in thermal energy at an area of interest in simulated microgravity; the unit is percentage.

    Measured: Baseline,post-30 minutes, post-60 minutes, post-90 minutes, post-120 minutes, post-150 minutes, post-180 minutes, post-195 minutes (post-MLD), and post-225 minutes (30-minutes-post-MLD).

Timeline

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

  1. First posted8 May 2024
  2. Study start14 Apr 2022
  3. Primary completion25 Jun 2022
  4. Study completion25 Jun 2022

Resources

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
Retrospective
Enrolment
15 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06405282
Sponsor's protocol ID
2022-124
Acronym
NIID
Status last verified
May 2024
First submitted
4 Apr 2024
Last updated
8 May 2024
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes
Individual data sharing
Undecided: Undecided, plan to publish summary data in peer-reviewed journal

Publications

  • Michel CC. Starling: the formulation of his hypothesis of microvascular fluid exchange and its significance after 100 years. Exp Physiol. 1997 Jan;82(1):1-30. doi: 10.1113/expphysiol.1997.sp004000. No abstract available.

    PubMed 9023503
  • Debiec-Bak A, Skrzek A , Prof, Wozniewski M , Prof, Malicka I. Using Thermography in the Diagnostics of Lymphedema: Pilot Study. Lymphat Res Biol. 2020 Jun;18(3):247-253. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2019.0002. Epub 2019 Nov 19.

    PubMed 31742482
  • Barnhart H, Aviles F Jr, Pannunzio J, Sirkis N, Hubbard C, Hardigan P, Ginsburg S, Mayrovitz H, Eckert KA, Melin MM. Using noninvasive imaging to assess manual lymphatic drainage on lymphatic/venous responses in a spaceflight analog. NPJ Microgravity. 2024 Oct 3;10(1):93. doi: 10.1038/s41526-024-00429-w.

    PubMed 39362907

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Fluid Retention Tissue and Perfusion; Complications, run by Nova Southeastern 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 5 inclusion and 3 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 8 May 2024. 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?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

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?

Percent change (%) in TDC level from baseline (time frame: Baseline, post-30 minutes, post-60 minutes, post-90 minutes, post-120 minutes, post-150 minutes, post-180 minutes, post-195 minutes (post-MLD), and post-225 minutes (30-minutes-post-MLD)). 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?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06405282, which also lists 3 linked publications.

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 8 May 2024.

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