Prevention of metabolic complications of glucocorticoid excess

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Prevention of metabolic complications of glucocorticoid excess

• IRAS ID

  7168

• Contact name

  Marta Korbonits

• Sponsor organisation

  Barts Health NHS Trust

• Eudract number

  2008-005708-18

• ISRCTN Number

  N/A

• Research summary

  Many common medical problems, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, require long-term treatment with steroids (glucocorticoids). Too much exposure to these drugs or too much of the body's own glucocorticoid hormone (due to the hormonal disease called Cushing??s syndrome) may result in increased appetite, obesity, muscle weakness, elevated blood pressure and diabetes. The mechanisms behind these changes are unknown. In this study we will treat patients who take high-dose glucocorticoids for severe inflammatory diseases or have Cushing??s syndrome with metformin. Metformin is in regular clinical use for patients with type 2 diabetes. We will measure hormonal changes, parameters of sugar and fat metabolism, body weight and composition and liver fat to see if we can improve their condition with this therapy. Our study will potentially have a large and immediate impact on the health problems and the reduced quality of life experienced by patients on high-dose glucocorticoid treatment.

• REC name

  London - South East Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  09/H1102/82

• Date of REC Opinion

  30 Nov 2009

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion