IIHTT: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial

Sponsor
St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center (Other)
Overall Status
Completed
CT.gov ID
NCT01003639
Collaborator
National Eye Institute (NEI) (NIH), University of Rochester (Other), University of Iowa (Other), University of California, Davis (Other)
165
41
2
48
4
0.1

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also called pseudotumor cerebri, is a disorder of elevated intracranial pressure of unknown cause [Corbett, et al., 1982; Wall, et al., 1991]. Its incidence is 22.5 new cases each year per 100,000 overweight women of childbearing age, and is rising [Garrett, et al., 2004] in parallel with the obesity epidemic. It affects about 100,000 Americans. Most patients suffer debilitating headaches. Because of pressure on the optic nerve (papilledema), 86% have some degree of permanent visual loss and 10% develop severe visual loss [Wall, et al., 1991]. Interventions to prevent loss of sight, all with unproven efficacy, include diet, diuretics such as acetazolamide, repeated spinal taps, optic nerve sheath fenestration surgery, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting procedures. The purported goal of these therapies is to lower intracranial pressure; however, it is unclear which treatments work and by what mechanism. None of these strategies has been verified by properly designed clinical trials. Thus, there is confusion, uncertainty, and weak scientific rationales to guide treatment decisions. This trial will study subjects who have mild visual loss from IIH to (1) establish convincing, evidence-based treatment strategies for IIH to restore and protect vision, (2) follow subjects up to 4 years to observe the long-term treatment outcomes and (3) determine the cause of IIH. To meet those aims, the trial will be divided into a 12-month intervention phase and a 3-year observational phase. Subjects are not required to complete the observational phase of the study, but will be asked to do so and consented for the observational phase of the study at the conclusion of the intervention phase (12 months).

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase
Phase 2/Phase 3

Detailed Description

Clinical Phase: Phase II Investigators: NORDIC Network sites Study Centers: 38 study centers Coordinating Center - University of Rochester Statistical Center - University of Rochester Study Period Planned enrollment duration: 2 years Planned duration of treatment: 6 months followed by open-label treatment Planned duration of follow-up: 4.5 years Study Objectives: The primary objective is determining the efficacy of diet plus acetazolamide vs diet alone in reducing or reversing visual loss in subjects with mild visual loss.

The secondary objective is to identify proteomic and genetic risk factors for IIH by screening a large cohort of IIH patients and controls.

Study Population This project will enroll 166 individuals with IIH who are 18-60 years of age. We anticipate that the population will be primarily composed of women in the childbearing years that are overweight. 154 control subjects will also be enrolled. Control subjects will be matched as closely as possibly by age, sex, race, ethnicity and weight to subjects enrolled at the site.

Study Design: Multi-center, double-blind randomized intervention study followed by a 4-year observation period. Subjects will be randomized to diet and acetazolamide or diet and placebo. The study will use 250 mg acetazolamide or matching placebo tablets taken with food at meals and at bedtime. The subject will begin with one tablet four times daily, at meals and at bedtime for the first week. Beginning on Day 7, subjects will increase the dosage by 1 tablet every 4 days until a final dosage of 4 tablets four times daily (4 grams) is reached or side effects prohibit increasing the dosage further. If the study drug is not tolerated at a dose of 250 mg, then 125 mg (1/2 tablet) will be tried. If this is not tolerated, no pharmacologic treatment will be given.

After the 6 month visit, all subjects will transition from study medication to acetazolamide (open label) by replacing one tablet of study drug with 250 mg of acetazolamide every four days. The acetazolamide dose will be titrated in a manner similar to the initial study drug schedule to the maximum tolerated dose of acetazolamide. To avoid treating subjects (who may have initially been assigned to placebo) unnecessarily, any subject with grade 0-1 papilledema will be tapered off study drug but not placed on acetazolamide unless they have persisting headaches or pulse-synchronous tinnitus. If so, they will be placed on acetazolamide regardless of the low papilledema grade. At the 9-month follow-up visit, we will make sure that the subjects' vision is stable after the transition off of study medication. After the 9 month visit, medication will be prescribed by the subject's treating physician. The intervention phase of the study will end at the subject's 12 month visit and subjects will be invited to participate in the observational phase of the study and consented to do so if willing.

Number of Subjects: 166 subjects with IIH and 154 control subjects Main Inclusion Criteria

  1. Diagnosis of IIH by modified Dandy criteria

  2. Diagnosis of IIH for 6 weeks or less

  3. Age 18 to 60 years at time of diagnosis

  4. Reproducible visual loss present on automated perimetry (in eye with greatest loss)*

  5. perimetric mean deviation (PMD) -2 decibel (dB) up to -5 dB in the worst eye

  6. Presence of bilateral papilledema

  7. Able to provide informed consent or parental permission with appropriate assent

Main Exclusion Criteria

  1. Total treatment of IIH of more than one week in the past six weeks

  2. Corticosteroids or surgery used for IIH treatment within the past two months

  3. Abnormalities on neurologic examination aside from papilledema and its related visual loss or VI nerve paresis (unless pre-existing and unrelated to IIH)

  4. Abnormal CT or MRI scan (intracranial mass, hydrocephalus, dural sinus thrombus or arteriovenous malformation) other than empty sella, dilated optic nerve sheath, flattened sclera, or secondary Chiari

  5. CSF pressure less than 200 mm water (patients may have repeat CSF pressure measurements if the first is normal or no opening pressure obtained)

  6. Abnormal CSF contents (increased cells, elevated protein, low glucose)

  7. Intraocular pressure currently > 28 mm Hg or > 30 mm Hg at any time in the past

  8. Refractive error > +/- 6.00 sphere or > +/- 3.00 cylinder in either eye

  9. Other disorders causing visual loss except for refractive error and amblyopia including cells in the vitreous or iritis

  10. Inability to provide reliable and reproducible visual field examination (failure to maintain fixation using an eye monitoring device, more than 15% false positive errors

  11. Abnormal blood work-up indicating a medical or systemic condition associated with raised intracranial pressure (ICP)

  12. Exposure to a drug, substance or disorder that has been associated with elevation of intracranial pressure within 2 months of diagnosis such as lithium, vitamin A, tetracycline, steroid withdrawal (see table in Manual of Procedures (MOP) for conditions and drugs)

  13. Other condition requiring diuretics, steroids or other pressure lowering agents including topiramate

  14. Presence of a medical condition such as renal stones that would contraindicate use of the study drugs (acetazolamide)

  15. Pregnancy or unwillingness for subject with childbearing potential to use contraception during the first year of the study

  16. Presence of a physical, mental, or social condition likely to affect follow-up (drug addiction, terminal illness, no telephone, homeless)

  17. Anticipation of a move from the site area within six months and unwillingness to return for follow-up.

Route and Dosage Form: 250 mg acetazolamide tablets or matching placebo taken with food 4 times daily. Subjects will titrate to a maximum dose of 4 tablets 4 times daily (4 grams) as tolerated. If a subject is not able to tolerate a dose of 250 mg, 125 mg (1/2 tablet) may be tried. If this is not tolerated, no pharmacologic treatment will be given.

Duration of Treatment: 6 months of randomized treatment followed by open label acetazolamide treatment. After the 9-month visit medication will be prescribed by the subject's treating physician. The intervention phase of the study will end at Month 12 and the subject invited to continue in the observational phase.

Primary Outcome Measure(s): The primary outcome measure is the change from baseline to Month 6 in PMD (perimetric mean deviation) in the eye with the most severe initial visual loss.

Secondary Outcome Measure: CSF pressure measurement by lumbar puncture Number of abnormal perimetry test locations Visual field examination ratings (improved, remained the same, or worsened) Papilledema grade QOL assessments Dietary Outcomes (BMI, Waist circumference, urinary sodium) Safety Outcomes: Adverse events will be tabulated by treatment group, severity, and perceived relationship to the study intervention Sample Size Considerations

Study Design

Study Type:
Interventional
Actual Enrollment :
165 participants
Allocation:
Randomized
Intervention Model:
Parallel Assignment
Masking:
Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary Purpose:
Treatment
Official Title:
A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study of Weight-Reduction and/or Low Sodium Diet Plus Acetazolamide vs Diet Plus Placebo in Subjects With Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension With Mild Visual Loss
Study Start Date :
Jan 1, 2010
Actual Primary Completion Date :
Jun 1, 2013
Actual Study Completion Date :
Jan 1, 2014

Arms and Interventions

Arm Intervention/Treatment
Active Comparator: Acetazolamide

Acetazolamide given in escalating doses

Drug: Acetazolamide
Subjects will begin with four 250 mg tablets daily. Tablets will be divided among two doses, taken with meals. Beginning on day 7, subjects will increase the dose by 1 pill every week until 16 tablets daily is reached (4 grams acetazolamide or placebo) or side effects prohibit increasing the dosage further. Thus, subjects who are able to tolerate the study medication will reach the maximum dose by day 84.
Other Names:
  • naproxen
  • acetaminophen
  • aspirin
  • ibuprofen
  • codein
  • butalbital
  • Behavioral: Formal weight loss counselling program
    Teleconference, web-based from central location, using site visits and subject self-assessment tools
    Other Names:
  • naproxen
  • acetaminophen
  • aspirin
  • ibuprofen
  • codein
  • butalbital
  • Placebo Comparator: Sugar pill

    Given in escalating "dose" (number of pill)

    Drug: Placebo
    Subjects will begin with four tablets daily. Tablets will be divided among two doses, taken with meals. Beginning on day 7, subjects will increase the dose by 1 pill every week until 16 tablets daily is reached (4 grams acetazolamide or placebo) or side effects prohibit increasing the dosage further. Thus, subjects who are able to tolerate the study medication will reach the maximum dose by day 84.
    Other Names:
  • naproxen
  • acetaminophen
  • aspirin
  • ibuprofen
  • codein
  • butalbital
  • Behavioral: Formal weight loss counselling program
    Teleconference, web-based from central location, using site visits and subject self-assessment tools
    Other Names:
  • naproxen
  • acetaminophen
  • aspirin
  • ibuprofen
  • codein
  • butalbital
  • Outcome Measures

    Primary Outcome Measures

    1. Mean Change in Perimetric Mean Deviation [base line and 6 months]

      Treatment Effects on the Primary Outcome Variable, Mean change From Baseline to Month 6 in Perimetric Mean Deviation (PMD) in the Study Eye. Perimetric mean deviation is a measure of global visual field loss (mean deviation from age-corrected normal values), with a range of 2 to -32 dB; larger negative values indicate greater vision loss.

    Secondary Outcome Measures

    1. Mean Change of Papilledema Grade on Fundus Photography [Baseline and 6 Months]

      Mean change at month 6 as compared to baseline. Frisén papilledema grade is an ordinal scale that uses ocular fundus features to rate the severity of papilledema; grade 0 indicates no features of papilledema and grade 5 indicates severe papilledema.

    2. Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) [baseline]

      Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) total score, VFQ-25 10-item neuro-ophthalmic supplement total score: 0-100 (higher scores indicate better quality of life)

    3. Visual Acuity (No. of Correct Letters) [Baseline]

    Eligibility Criteria

    Criteria

    Ages Eligible for Study:
    18 Years to 60 Years
    Sexes Eligible for Study:
    All
    Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
    Yes
    Inclusion Criteria:
    1. Diagnosis of IIH by modified Dandy criteria Signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure Absence of localizing findings on neurologic examination Absence of deformity, displacement, or obstruction of the ventricular system and otherwise normal neurodiagnostic studies, except for evidence of increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure (>200 mm water). Abnormal neuroimaging except for empty sella turcica, optic nerve sheath enlargement, and smooth-walled non flow-related venous sinus stenosis or collapse106 should lead to another diagnosis Awake and alert No other cause of increased intracranial pressure present

    2. Diagnosis of IIH for 6 weeks or less

    3. Age 18 to 60 years at time of diagnosis

    4. Reproducible visual loss present on automated perimetry (in eye with greatest loss)

    5. Average PMD -2 dB up to -5 dB in the worst eye

    6. Presence of bilateral papilledema

    7. Able to provide informed consent

    8. Women of child-bearing potential must use an acceptable form of birth control during the intervention phase of the study. Acceptable forms include oral contraceptives, transdermal contraceptives,

    Exclusion Criteria:
    1. Total treatment of IIH of more than two weeks (except for acetazolamide which is limited to 1 week). For every day on treatment there must be a one-day washout period.

    2. Previous surgery for IIH including optic nerve sheath fenestration, CSF shunting procedures, subtemporal decompression and venous stenting

    3. Previous gastric bypass surgery

    4. Abnormalities on neurologic examination aside from papilledema and its related visual loss or VI nerve paresis

    5. Abnormal CT or MRI scan (intracranial mass, hydrocephalus, dural sinus thrombus or arteriovenous malformation) other than empty sella, unfolded optic nerve sheaths, flattened sclera, or smooth- walled venous stenosis

    6. CSF pressure less than 200 mm water (patients may have repeat CSF pressure measurements if the first is normal or no opening pressure obtained)

    7. Abnormal CSF contents: increased cells: > 5 cells, elevated protein:

    45 mg%, low glucose: < 30 mg% (If the lumbar puncture produces a cell count compatible with a traumatic needle insertion, the patient does not need to be excluded if the CSF WBC after correction is 5 wbc/mm3 or less- see Operations Manual for calculation) 8. Intraocular pressure currently > 28 mm Hg or > 30 mm Hg at any time in the past 9. Refractive error > +/- 6.00 sphere or > +/- 3.00 cylinder in either eye with the following exceptions: Subjects with myopia of >-6.00 D sphere but less than or equal to - 8.00 D sphere are eligible if 1)there are no abnormalities on ophthalmoscopy or fundus photos related to myopia that are associated with visual loss (such as staphyloma, retinal thinning in the posterior pole or more than mild optic disc tilt), and 2) the subject wears a contact lens for all perimetry examinations with the appropriate correction. If either the Site Investigator or the PRC director (or his designate) decides there are optic fundus abnormalities of myopia that are associated with visual loss, then 9. Subjects with hyperopia of > +6.00 D but less than or equal to

    • 8.00 D sphere are eligible if 1) there is an unambiguous characteristic halo of peripapillary edema as opposed to features of a small crowded disc or other hyperopic change related to visual loss determined by the site investigator or the PRC director (or his designate) and 2) the subject wears a contact le 10. Other disorders causing visual loss except for refractive error and amblyopia including cells in the vitreous or iritis 11. Optic disc drusen on exam or in previous history 12. Presence of diagnosed untreated obstructive sleep apnea 13. Inability to provide reliable and reproducible visual field examination (failure to maintain fixation using an eye monitoring device, more than 15% false positive errors) 14. Abnormal blood work-up indicating a medical or systemic condition associated with raised ICP 15. Study blood results showing severe anemia, leukopenia or thrombocytopenia, renal failure, or hepatic disease, based on the Site Investigator's judgment 16. Type I diabetes or the presence of diabetic retinopathy 17. Exposure to a drug, substance or disorder that has been associated with elevation of intracranial pressure within 2 months of diagnosis such as lithium, vitamin A, various cyclines (see table in Operations Manual for conditions and drugs) 18. Other condition requiring diuretics, oral, I.V. or injectable steroids or other pressure lowering agents including topiramate (nasal, inhaled, or topical steroids are allowed since the systemic effects are small) 19. Presence of a medical condition such as renal stones that would contraindicate use of the study drug (acetazolamide) 20. Pregnancy or unwillingness for subject of childbearing potential to use contraception during the first year of the study 21. Breastfeeding mothers are excluded from participation unless willing to discontinue breastfeeding by the baseline visit 22. Presence of a physical, mental, or social condition likely to affect follow-up (drug addiction, terminal illness, no telephone, homeless) 23. Anticipation of a move from the site area within six months and unwillingness to return for follow-up at an IIHTT study site 24. Allergy to pupil dilating drops or narrow angles precluding safe dilation

    Contacts and Locations

    Locations

    Site City State Country Postal Code
    1 University of Alabama Birmingham Birmingham Alabama United States 35294
    2 Doheny Eye Center, University of Southern California Los Angeles California United States 90033
    3 The Eye Care Group, PC Waterbury Connecticut United States 06708
    4 Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miami Florida United States 33136
    5 Neuro-Ophthamology & Balance Disorders Clinic Tallahassee Florida United States 32308
    6 Emory University Atlanta Georgia United States 30322
    7 University of Illinois Peoria Illinois United States 61637
    8 Department of Ophthamology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa United States 55242
    9 University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky United States 40536
    10 Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - Earl K. Long Medical Center Baton Rouge Louisiana United States 70810
    11 Greater Baltimore Medical Center Department Of Ophthamology Baltimore Maryland United States 21204
    12 Johns Hopkins Universtiy - Wilmer Ophthamological Institute Baltimore Maryland United States 21287
    13 Bethesda Neurology, LLC Bethesda Maryland United States 20814
    14 Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary - Neuro-Ophthamology Service Boston Massachusetts United States 02114
    15 Michigan State University Department of Neurology East Lansing Michigan United States 48823
    16 William Beaumont Hosptial Research Institute Royal Oak Michigan United States 48073
    17 University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota United States 55455
    18 Saint Louis University Eye Institute Saint Louis Missouri United States 63104
    19 University of St. Louis Saint Louis Missouri United States 63110
    20 New Jersey Medical School/University Physicians Associates of New Jersey Newark New Jersey United States 07103
    21 New York Eye and Ear Infirmary New York New York United States 10003
    22 Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York United States 10021
    23 The Mount Sinai Medical Center New York New York United States 10029
    24 University of Rochester - Flaum Eye Institute Rochester New York United States 14642
    25 Stony Brook University Stony Brook New York United States 11794
    26 SUNY Upstate Medical University, Neurology Medical Service Group Syracuse New York United States 13202
    27 Duke Eye Center Durham North Carolina United States 27710
    28 Raleigh Neurology Associates, PA Raleigh North Carolina United States 27607
    29 Wake Forrest University Eye Center Winston-Salem North Carolina United States 27157
    30 Ohio State University Columbus Ohio United States 43212
    31 Dean A. McGee Eye Institute Oklahoma City Oklahoma United States 73104
    32 Oregon Health & Science University - Casey Eye Institute Portland Oregon United States 97239
    33 University of Pennsylvania, Department of Ophthamology Philadelphia Pennsylvania United States 19104
    34 The Methodist Hospital: Methodist Eye Associates Houston Texas United States 77030
    35 Universtiy of Houston - University Eye Institute Houston Texas United States 77204
    36 University of Texas Science Center San Antonio Texas United States 78229
    37 University of Utah, John A. Moran Eye Center Salt Lake City Utah United States 84132
    38 University of Virginia - Department of Ophthalmology Charlottesville Virginia United States 22903
    39 Swedish Medical Center Seattle Washington United States 98014
    40 University of Calgary: Rockyview General Hospital Calgary Alberta Canada T2V 1P9
    41 Queen's University - Hotel Dieu Hospital Kingston Ontario Canada K7L 5G2

    Sponsors and Collaborators

    • St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center
    • National Eye Institute (NEI)
    • University of Rochester
    • University of Iowa
    • University of California, Davis

    Investigators

    • Study Director: Michael Wall, MD, University of Iowa

    Study Documents (Full-Text)

    None provided.

    More Information

    Additional Information:

    Publications

    None provided.
    Responsible Party:
    St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center
    ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
    NCT01003639
    Other Study ID Numbers:
    • NORDIC01
    • 1U10EY017281-01A1
    • 1U10EY017387-01A1
    First Posted:
    Oct 29, 2009
    Last Update Posted:
    Dec 12, 2018
    Last Verified:
    Nov 1, 2018

    Study Results

    Participant Flow

    Recruitment Details Participants were enrolled at 38 academic and private practice sites in North America from March 2010 to November 2012,with follow-up ending in June 2013.
    Pre-assignment Detail Randomization was stratified by site and included blocking to ensure balance among the treatment groups within a site after every 4 participants had been enrolled at that site.
    Arm/Group Title Acetazolamide Sugar Pill
    Arm/Group Description Acetazolamide given in escalating doses Acetazolamide: Subjects will begin with four 250 mg tablets daily. Given in escalating "dose" (number of pill) Placebo: Subjects will begin with four tablets daily.
    Period Title: Overall Study
    STARTED 86 79
    COMPLETED 69 57
    NOT COMPLETED 17 22

    Baseline Characteristics

    Arm/Group Title Acetazolamide Sugar Pill Total
    Arm/Group Description Acetazolamide given in escalating doses Acetazolamide: Subjects will begin with four 250 mg tablets daily. Given in escalating "dose" (number of pill) Placebo: Subjects will begin with four tablets daily. Total of all reporting groups
    Overall Participants 86 79 165
    Age (years) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [years]
    28.2
    (6.9)
    30.0
    (8.0)
    29.0
    (7.4)
    Sex: Female, Male (Count of Participants)
    Female
    84
    97.7%
    77
    97.5%
    161
    97.6%
    Male
    2
    2.3%
    2
    2.5%
    4
    2.4%
    Race (NIH/OMB) (Count of Participants)
    American Indian or Alaska Native
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    Asian
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    Black or African American
    25
    29.1%
    16
    20.3%
    41
    24.8%
    White
    54
    62.8%
    54
    68.4%
    108
    65.5%
    More than one race
    4
    4.7%
    2
    2.5%
    6
    3.6%
    Unknown or Not Reported
    3
    3.5%
    7
    8.9%
    10
    6.1%
    Weight (kg) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [kg]
    108.1
    (25.6)
    107.3
    (24.5)
    107.7
    (25.0)
    Body mass index (Kg/m^2) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [Kg/m^2]
    40.0
    (8.5)
    39.9
    (8.1)
    39.9
    (8.3)
    Weight change in the past 6 mo (kg) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [kg]
    10.7
    (16.7)
    8.8
    (16.9)
    9.8
    (16.7)
    Transient visual obscurations (participants) [Number]
    yes
    55
    64%
    57
    72.2%
    112
    67.9%
    No
    31
    36%
    22
    27.8%
    53
    32.1%
    Diplopia (participants) [Number]
    Yes
    20
    23.3%
    16
    20.3%
    36
    21.8%
    No
    66
    76.7%
    63
    79.7%
    129
    78.2%
    Constant visual loss (participants) [Number]
    Yes
    25
    29.1%
    28
    35.4%
    53
    32.1%
    No
    61
    70.9%
    51
    64.6%
    112
    67.9%
    Photophobia (participants) [Number]
    Yes
    42
    48.8%
    37
    46.8%
    79
    47.9%
    No
    44
    51.2%
    42
    53.2%
    86
    52.1%
    Headache (participants) [Number]
    Yes
    70
    81.4%
    69
    87.3%
    139
    84.2%
    No
    16
    18.6%
    10
    12.7%
    26
    15.8%
    Pulsatile tinnitus (participants) [Number]
    Yes
    45
    52.3%
    41
    51.9%
    86
    52.1%
    No
    41
    47.7%
    38
    48.1%
    79
    47.9%
    Perimetric mean deviation (dB) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Study eye
    -3.5
    (1.2)
    -3.5
    (1.1)
    -3.5
    (1.1)
    Fellow eye
    -2.3
    (1.1)
    -2.3
    (1.1)
    -2.3
    (1.1)
    Papilledema grade (fundus photography) Study Eye (participants) [Number]
    Study eye 1
    8
    9.3%
    12
    15.2%
    20
    12.1%
    Study eye 2
    32
    37.2%
    23
    29.1%
    55
    33.3%
    Study eye 3
    20
    23.3%
    20
    25.3%
    40
    24.2%
    Study eye 4
    24
    27.9%
    21
    26.6%
    45
    27.3%
    Study eye 5
    2
    2.3%
    3
    3.8%
    5
    3%
    Papilledema grade (fundus photography) Fellow eye (participants) [Number]
    Fellow eye 1
    15
    17.4%
    14
    17.7%
    29
    17.6%
    Fellow eye 2
    33
    38.4%
    28
    35.4%
    61
    37%
    Fellow eye 3
    19
    22.1%
    21
    26.6%
    40
    24.2%
    Fellow eye 4
    19
    22.1%
    14
    17.7%
    33
    20%
    Fellow eye 5
    0
    0%
    2
    2.5%
    2
    1.2%
    HIT-6 total score (units on a scale) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [units on a scale]
    60.3
    (8.7)
    59.1
    (9.3)
    59.7
    (9.0)
    CSF pressure (mm H2O) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [mm H2O]
    348.9
    (94.1)
    342.0
    (70.7)
    343.5
    (86.9)
    SF-36 component summary score (units on a scale) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Physical
    45.4
    (9.8)
    46.3
    (8.2)
    45.8
    (9.0)
    Mental
    45.2
    (9.8)
    46.3
    (8.2)
    45.8
    (9.0)

    Outcome Measures

    1. Primary Outcome
    Title Mean Change in Perimetric Mean Deviation
    Description Treatment Effects on the Primary Outcome Variable, Mean change From Baseline to Month 6 in Perimetric Mean Deviation (PMD) in the Study Eye. Perimetric mean deviation is a measure of global visual field loss (mean deviation from age-corrected normal values), with a range of 2 to -32 dB; larger negative values indicate greater vision loss.
    Time Frame base line and 6 months

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    Sixty-nine of the 86 participants (80%) in the acetazolamide group completed follow-up compared with 57 of the 79 participants (72%) in the placebo group.
    Arm/Group Title Acetazolamide Sugar Pill
    Arm/Group Description Acetazolamide given in escalating doses Acetazolamide: Subjects will begin with four 250 mg tablets daily. Given in escalating "dose" (number of pill) Placebo: Subjects will begin with four tablets daily.
    Measure Participants 69 57
    Mean (Standard Error) [dB]
    1.43
    (0.24)
    0.71
    (0.28)
    Statistical Analysis 1
    Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Acetazolamide, Sugar Pill
    Comments
    Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
    Comments
    Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.05
    Comments
    Method ANCOVA
    Comments
    Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Mean Difference (Final Values)
    Estimated Value 0.71
    Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
    0 to 1.43
    Parameter Dispersion Type:
    Value:
    Estimation Comments
    2. Secondary Outcome
    Title Mean Change of Papilledema Grade on Fundus Photography
    Description Mean change at month 6 as compared to baseline. Frisén papilledema grade is an ordinal scale that uses ocular fundus features to rate the severity of papilledema; grade 0 indicates no features of papilledema and grade 5 indicates severe papilledema.
    Time Frame Baseline and 6 Months

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    Sixty-nine of the 86 participants (80%) in the acetazolamide group completed follow-up compared with 57 of the 79 participants (72%) in the placebo group.
    Arm/Group Title Acetazolamide Sugar Pill
    Arm/Group Description Acetazolamide given in escalating doses Acetazolamide: Subjects will begin with four 250 mg tablets daily. Given in escalating "dose" (number of pill) Placebo: Subjects will begin with four tablets daily.
    Measure Participants 69 57
    Study eye
    -1.31
    (0.11)
    -0.61
    (0.11)
    Fellow eye
    -1.14
    (0.10)
    -0.52
    (0.11)
    3. Secondary Outcome
    Title Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25)
    Description Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) total score, VFQ-25 10-item neuro-ophthalmic supplement total score: 0-100 (higher scores indicate better quality of life)
    Time Frame baseline

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Acetazolamide Sugar Pill
    Arm/Group Description Acetazolamide given in escalating doses Acetazolamide: Subjects will begin with four 250 mg tablets daily. Given in escalating "dose" (number of pill) Placebo: Subjects will begin with four tablets daily.
    Measure Participants 86 79
    Total score
    83.8
    (14.1)
    82.1
    (13.4)
    10-item neuro-ophthalmic supplement
    75.8
    (15.4)
    75.0
    (13.7)
    4. Secondary Outcome
    Title Visual Acuity (No. of Correct Letters)
    Description
    Time Frame Baseline

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Acetazolamide Sugar Pill
    Arm/Group Description Acetazolamide given in escalating doses Acetazolamide: Subjects will begin with four 250 mg tablets daily. Given in escalating "dose" (number of pill) Placebo: Subjects will begin with four tablets daily.
    Measure Participants 86 79
    Study Eye
    56.8
    (5.1)
    55.6
    (5.9)
    Fellow Eye
    58.3
    (4.3)
    56.2
    (6.4)

    Adverse Events

    Time Frame
    Adverse Event Reporting Description
    Arm/Group Title Acetazolamide Sugar Pill
    Arm/Group Description Acetazolamide given in escalating doses Acetazolamide: Subjects will begin with four 250 mg tablets daily. Given in escalating "dose" (number of pill) Placebo: Subjects will begin with four tablets daily.
    All Cause Mortality
    Acetazolamide Sugar Pill
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total / (NaN) / (NaN)
    Serious Adverse Events
    Acetazolamide Sugar Pill
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total 9/86 (10.5%) 7/79 (8.9%)
    Ear and labyrinth disorders
    Diplopia 0/86 (0%) 1/79 (1.3%) 1
    Eye disorders
    Rapidly failing vision 0/86 (0%) 2/79 (2.5%) 2
    Gastrointestinal disorders
    Diverticulitis 1/86 (1.2%) 1 0/79 (0%) 1
    Immune system disorders
    Allergic reaction of unknown origin 1/86 (1.2%) 1 0/79 (0%) 1
    Infections and infestations
    Pyelonephritis 1/86 (1.2%) 1 0/79 (0%) 1
    Bronchitis 0/86 (0%) 1/79 (1.3%) 1
    Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
    Ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction 0/86 (0%) 1/79 (1.3%) 1
    Investigations
    Transaminitis 1/86 (1.2%) 1 0/79 (0%) 1
    Elevated lipase with pancreatititis 1/86 (1.2%) 1 0/79 (0%) 1
    Metabolism and nutrition disorders
    Hypokalemia 1/86 (1.2%) 1 0/79 (0%) 1
    Nervous system disorders
    Intracranial pressure increased 0/86 (0%) 1/79 (1.3%) 1
    Pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions
    Live Birth 2/86 (2.3%) 2 0/79 (0%) 2
    Psychiatric disorders
    Suicidal ideation 0/86 (0%) 1/79 (1.3%) 1
    Renal and urinary disorders
    Renal impairment 1/86 (1.2%) 1 0/79 (0%) 1
    Hydronephrosis 1/86 (1.2%) 1 0/79 (0%) 1
    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
    Pneumonia 0/86 (0%) 1/79 (1.3%) 1
    Pulmnary embolism 0/86 (0%) 1/79 (1.3%) 1
    Surgical and medical procedures
    Caesarean section 1/86 (1.2%) 1 0/79 (0%) 1
    Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt 0/86 (0%) 1/79 (1.3%) 1
    Vascular disorders
    Deep vein thrombosis 0/86 (0%) 1/79 (1.3%) 1
    Other (Not Including Serious) Adverse Events
    Acetazolamide Sugar Pill
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total 80/86 (93%) 67/79 (84.8%)
    Ear and labyrinth disorders
    Tinnitus 11/86 (12.8%) 12 3/79 (3.8%) 3
    Gastrointestinal disorders
    Diarrhea 12/86 (14%) 14 3/79 (3.8%) 4
    Dyspepsia 7/86 (8.1%) 8 1/79 (1.3%) 1
    General disorders
    Decreased CO2 9/86 (10.5%) 9 0/79 (0%) 0
    Dizziness 8/86 (9.3%) 11 3/79 (3.8%) 4
    Dysgeusia 13/86 (15.1%) 13 0/79 (0%) 0
    Fatigue 14/86 (16.3%) 16 1/79 (1.3%) 1
    Headache 13/86 (15.1%) 17 11/79 (13.9%) 16
    Nasopharyngitis 5/86 (5.8%) 6 8/79 (10.1%) 11
    Nausea 26/86 (30.2%) 30 10/79 (12.7%) 10
    Vomiting 12/86 (14%) 13 3/79 (3.8%) 3
    Hepatobiliary disorders
    Elevated ALT 6/86 (7%) 6 3/79 (3.8%) 4
    Infections and infestations
    Sinusitis 3/86 (3.5%) 3 6/79 (7.6%) 7
    Nervous system disorders
    Paresthesia 41/86 (47.7%) 51 5/79 (6.3%) 6
    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
    Dyspnea 7/86 (8.1%) 8 2/79 (2.5%) 2
    Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
    Rash 7/86 (8.1%) 8 2/79 (2.5%) 2
    Surgical and medical procedures
    Post-LP syndrome 5/86 (5.8%) 9 6/79 (7.6%) 9

    Limitations/Caveats

    A limitation is the 19% withdrawal rate which may be due, in part, to the intensity of the visit schedule. Another limitation is the difficulty in the interpretation of the estimated treatment effect on PMD.

    More Information

    Certain Agreements

    Principal Investigators are NOT employed by the organization sponsoring the study.

    There is NOT an agreement between Principal Investigators and the Sponsor (or its agents) that restricts the PI's rights to discuss or publish trial results after the trial is completed.

    Results Point of Contact

    Name/Title Dr. Michael Wall
    Organization University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
    Phone 319-353-3942
    Email michael-wall@uiowa.edu
    Responsible Party:
    St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center
    ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
    NCT01003639
    Other Study ID Numbers:
    • NORDIC01
    • 1U10EY017281-01A1
    • 1U10EY017387-01A1
    First Posted:
    Oct 29, 2009
    Last Update Posted:
    Dec 12, 2018
    Last Verified:
    Nov 1, 2018