A Phase II Study to Assess Changes in Physical Function in Elderly Patients With Chronic Anemia

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to assess changes in physical function in elderly patients (>= 65 years of age) with chronic anemia (Hb <= 11.0 g/dL) due to anemia of unknown cause and receiving weekly subcutaneous doses of Epoetin alfa (PROCRITÂ®) versus placebo.

Detailed Description
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.Some elderly patients have anemia (reduction in hemoglobin level, or low red cell count) without obvious cause. Anemia occurs commonly with aging and is a frequent medical condition in individuals over the age of 65. Physical performance and function is worse in individuals who are anemic. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study to assess physical function (to include falls) and fatigue in approximately 80 elderly patients with chronic anemia (anemia present for at least 3 months) and who are receiving weekly Epoetin alfa. The study will also evaluate hemoglobin levels (oxygen carrying protein in red blood cells), safety, fatigue and cognitive function. The study hypothesis is to demonstrate the study drug will be more effective in treatment of chronic anemia than placebo, resulting in the improvement of physical function and subsequent disabilities, with minimal adverse events and the study drug is generally well-tolerated. The patients will receive weekly injections of Epoetin alfa (PROCRIT®) or placebo at a starting dose of 10,000 units administered subcutaneously (under the skin).

Official Title
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A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Study to Assess Changes in Physical Function in Elderly Patients With Idiopathic Anemia of Aging (IAA) Receiving Epoetin Alfa (PROCRIT�)

Conditions
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Anemia, Aged, Hemoglobins

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: epoetin alfa


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patients with a history of chronic anemia defined as a documented Hb value of <= 11.0 g/dL No active cancer At least 65 years of age with life expectancy of > 6 months Community dwelling patients Patients with a Short Physical Performance (SPPB) Summary Score of 4-10 at screening and baseline Patients with a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score >= 24 Exclusion Criteria: Positive stool guaiac test Diagnosis of multiple myeloma and/or MGUS History of venous thromboembolytic disease Previous treatment with Epoetin alfa, Darbepoetin or any form of erythropoietin recently Uncontrolled or severe cardiovascular disease

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Intervention/Treatment |
| --- |
|Drug: epoetin alfa|nan|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| To assess the change in physical function from baseline to end of study as measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) summary score. |  |  | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| To assess: Efficacy of Procrit by achieving a target Hb of 12.5-12.9 g/dL; Change in FACT-An score; Change in Six-Minute Walk Test, Safety (Adverse Event incidence, Lab Tests, and Vitals); Cognitive function; Number and type of injuries from falls |  |  | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Anemia, Subcutaneous injection, PROCRIT, Erythropoietin, Epoetin Alfa, Hemoglobin Level, Elderly