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Long-Term Olanzapine Treatment in Children With Autism
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), April 2008
Sponsored by: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Information provided by: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00183404
  Purpose

This study will determine the short- and long-term safety and effectiveness of the drug olanzapine (Zyprexa®) for reducing symptoms of autism in children.


Condition Intervention Phase
Autism
Drug: Olanzapine
Phase II
Phase III

MedlinePlus related topics: Autism
Drug Information available for: Olanzapine
U.S. FDA Resources
Study Type: Interventional
Study Design: Treatment, Open Label, Uncontrolled, Single Group Assignment, Safety/Efficacy Study
Official Title: Long-Term Olanzapine Treatment in Children With Autism

Further study details as provided by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):

Primary Outcome Measures:
  • Children's Psychiatric Rating Scale [ Time Frame: Measured monthly throughout the study ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Secondary Outcome Measures:
  • Aberrant Behavior Checklist [ Time Frame: Measured monthly throughout the study ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  • Clinical Global Impressions [ Time Frame: Measured monthly throughout the study ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  • Treatment Emergent Symptoms Scale [ Time Frame: Measured monthly throughout the study ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  • Olanzapine Untoward Effects Checklist [ Time Frame: Measured monthly throughout the study ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  • Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale [ Time Frame: Measured monthly throughout the study ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  • Neurological Rating Scale [ Time Frame: Measured monthly throughout the study ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]

Estimated Enrollment: 40
Study Start Date: September 2004
Estimated Study Completion Date: September 2009
Estimated Primary Completion Date: September 2009 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Arms Assigned Interventions
1
Participants will take open olanzapine for up to 20 additional weeks after phase 1.
Drug: Olanzapine
Olanzapine tablets, dosed once or twice per day, dosage 2.5 to 20 mg per day

Detailed Description:

Autism is a serious childhood disorder that can significantly impair functioning and development. Educational and psychosocial programs are standard treatments for autistic children, but drug therapy is often needed as well. Haloperidol is the drug most commonly prescribed for symptoms of autism. However, long-term administration of haloperidol has been associated with adverse effects such as blurred vision, constipation, and nausea. The investigation of alternative drug treatments is necessary. This study will determine whether the antipsychotic drug olanzapine may be a safe and effective alternative to haloperidol for treating symptoms of autism in children.

This study will last 36 weeks and will comprise 2 phases. In Phase I, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either olanzapine or placebo for 12 weeks. Participants who do not respond to treatment will complete their participation in the study. Participants who respond to their assigned Phase I treatment will continue onto Phase II. All Phase II participants will receive olanzapine daily for 6 months. Self-report scales and checklists will be used to assess participants after each phase; these measures will be completed by participants and their parents.

  Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:   3 Years to 12 Years
Genders Eligible for Study:   Both
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:   No
Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of autism
  • Parent or guardian willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Uncontrolled seizure disorder
  • Medical illness other than autism affecting the whole body
  • Obesity
  • History of psychosis
  • Impairment of voluntary movement
  • History of olanzapine treatment
  Contacts and Locations
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00183404

Contacts
Contact: Richard P. Malone, MD 215-831-4058 rmalone@drexelmed.edu
Contact: Melissa Lech, BSN 215-831-4058 mlech@drexelmed.edu

Locations
United States, Pennsylvania
Drexel University College of Medicine at Friends Hospital Recruiting
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19124
Contact: Richard P. Malone, MD     215-831-4058     rmalone@drexelmed.edu    
Contact: Melissa Lech, BSN     215-831-4058     mlech@drexelmed.edu    
Principal Investigator: Richard P. Malone, MD            
Sub-Investigator: Mary A. Delaney, MD            
Sponsors and Collaborators
Investigators
Principal Investigator: Richard P. Malone, MD Drexel University College of Medicine
  More Information

Responsible Party: Drexel University College of Medicine ( Richard P. Malone, MD )
Study ID Numbers: R01 MH73524, DDTR B2-NDA
Study First Received: September 13, 2005
Last Updated: April 16, 2008
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00183404  
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government

Keywords provided by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
Drug Treatment
Child
Olanzapine

Study placed in the following topic categories:
Developmental Disabilities
Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
Mental Disorders
Autistic Disorder
Mental Disorders Diagnosed in Childhood
Olanzapine
Serotonin

Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors
Neurotransmitter Agents
Tranquilizing Agents
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Physiological Effects of Drugs
Gastrointestinal Agents
Psychotropic Drugs
Antiemetics
Central Nervous System Depressants
Antipsychotic Agents
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
Pharmacologic Actions
Serotonin Agents
Autonomic Agents
Therapeutic Uses
Peripheral Nervous System Agents
Central Nervous System Agents

ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on January 30, 2009