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Bromocriptine-QR Therapy on Sympathetic Tone and Vascular Biology in Type 2 Diabetes Subjects

Impact of Timed Bromocriptine-QR Therapy Upon Measures of Sympathetic Tone and Vascular Biology in Type 2 Diabetes Subjects

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02682901
Enrollment
84
Registered
2016-02-17
Start date
2015-10-05
Completion date
2018-11-15
Last updated
2021-12-10

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy

Brief summary

The main objective is to demonstrate the effects of early dopaminergic activation on the autonomic nervous system in subjects with newly diagnosed vs. established type 2 diabetes. The primary endpoint is the effect of Bromocriptine QR on changes in autonomic function measured by assessing sympathetic and parasympathetic function using conventional measures of autonomic function, including power spectral analysis of heart rate as well as peripheral autonomic function using sudorimetry and laser scanning of peripheral microvascular autonomic control.

Detailed description

This is an interventional, twenty-four week, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial with bromocriptine QR in subjects with newly diagnosed and established type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to evaluate its effects on the cardiovascular and peripheral autonomic nervous system, as well as on inflammatory markers, the leptin/adiponectin system, hormonal levels of RAS and HPA axis, indices of insulin resistance, and measures of oxidative and nitrosative stress. Forty newly diagnosed diabetes subjects and 40 subjects with established diabetes will be enrolled in the study and each randomized to treatment with bromocriptine-QR or placebo. Secondary endpoints will demonstrate the effects of dopaminergic activation with Bromocriptine-QR on the regulation of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Axis (HPA) axis hormones, on the plasma levels of markers of inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress in newly diagnosed vs. established type 2 diabetes subjects. The study will evaluate treatment effects on inflammatory markers, the Leptin/Adiponectin system, and hormonal levels of rennin-angiotensin system (RAS), aldosterone and cortisol. Specifically, the following markers of inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress: 1) C reactive protein (CRP), 2) interleukin-6, 12, and 10, 3) tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha), 4) plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) will be evaluated. A co-secondary objective of the study will be to assess the impact of Bromocriptine-QR vs Placebo on measures of insulin resistance and glycemic control (e.g., oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose and insulin, Matsuda index, Homeostasis Model Assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

Interventions

Cycloset 1.6 -3.2 mg/day

DRUGPlacebo

Non-active placebo for cycloset

Sponsors

Eastern Virginia Medical School
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
30 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Type 2 diabetes subjects between the ages of 30 and 80 years of age, inclusive, at Screening * Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤10.0% at screening * Male or female (female of child bearing age must use definitive contraceptive therapy) * Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus subjects on a stable anti-diabetes regimen of diet and/or metformin alone therapy or on metformin plus an insulin secretion enhancer (sulfonylureas, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) Inhibitors, Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analogs) therapy for a 60 day period prior to randomization. Subjects with diabetes duration of ≥ 4 years must be using an insulin secretion enhancer (e.g. sulphonylureas (SU), DPP4, GLP-1 analog). Subjects must have a documented C-peptide level (either fasting or random) of \>2 ng/ml from the screening visit.

Exclusion criteria

* Presence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (defined as C-peptide \<1 ng /ml) * Type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects on insulin. * Use of prescription sympathomimetics, ergot alkaloid derivatives, or anti-migraine medications, dopamine2 (D2)-like receptor antagonists (e.g. metoclopramide, domperidone) or systemic corticosteroids * Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP \>160 or diastolic BP \> 100 at screening) or a history of orthostatic hypotension * History of significant gastroparesis * Presence of diabetic retinopathy that is more severe than background level * Presence of diabetic nephropathy, or renal impairment defined by blood urea nitrogen (BUN) \>40mg/dl and serum creatinine \> 1.4 mg/dl if female taking metformin, \>1.5 mg/dl. if male taking metformin, and \>1.6 mg/dl if not taking metformin * Presence of clinically significant peripheral or autonomic neuropathy that is clearly of non-diabetic origin * History of major macrovascular events such as myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular event such as stroke within the past 6 months. Other exclusions include coronary artery bypass graft or coronary angioplasty in the previous 3 months, unstable angina pectoris (chest pain at rest, worsening chest pain, or admission to the emergency room or hospital for chest pain) within the previous 3 months, or seizure disorders. * Active infection (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis), or a history of severe infection during the 30 days prior to screening * Major surgical operation during the 30 days prior to screening * Cancer, other than non-melanoma skin or non-metastatic prostate cancer, within the past 5 years * Uncontrolled or untreated hypothyroidism as evidenced by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations \>4.8 µU/ml * Other serious medical conditions which, in the opinion of the investigator, would compromise the subject's participation in the study, including any concurrent illness, other than diabetes mellitus, not controlled by a stable therapeutic regimen, or conditions or abnormalities (e.g., blindness) that might interfere with interpretation of safety or efficacy data, or history of non-compliance * Clinically significant abnormalities on screening laboratory evaluation, unless approved by the Sponsor * Abnormalities of liver function defined as any liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal * History of New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III-IV congestive heart failure. * Concurrent participation in another clinical trial with use of an experimental drug or device within 30 days of study entry. * History of alcohol or substance abuse or dementia * Pregnant or lactating women. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test at screening. Women who become pregnant will be discontinued from the study. * Known hypersensitivity to any of the formulation components * Working rotating, varying or night shifts * Use of unapproved herbal supplements that may be associated with a risk of cardiovascular events (such as ephedra, yohimbe etc) * Patients who have started therapy with an erectile dysfunction drug within 2 weeks prior to screening; patients may not begin treatment with an erectile dysfunction drug during the study period; patients currently taking erectile dysfunction drugs should do so only under medical supervision. * Donation of blood in the previous 30 days. Blood donation is also not allowed during the study or for 30 days after completion of the study.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in E/I Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs PlaceboBaseline to 24 weeksCardiac Autonomic Reflex Tests (CARTs) based on heart rate variations are the deep breathing test (E/I ratio), the lying to standing test (30:15 ratio) and the Valsalva maneuver (Valsalva ratio). These tests require a continuous recording of heart rate by either a simple electrocardiograph (ECG), subsequently elaborated via a specialist software. It is essential to inspect the ECG trace (on paper or monitor) in order to exclude artifacts or any type of arrhythmias from the calculations. Expiration/Inspiration (E/I) ratio: Standardized CART that measures parasympathetic control of the HR. The subject in a supine or sitting position is asked to breathe deeply at six breaths per minute (5 seconds in and 5 seconds out) for one minute. The E/I ratio is obtained by calculating the ratio between the average of the 3 longest RR intervals during expiration and the average of the 3 shortest RR intervals during inspiration.
Change in Valsalva Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs PlaceboBaseline to 24 weeksCardiac Autonomic Reflex Tests (CARTs) based on heart rate variations are the deep breathing test (E/I ratio), the lying to standing test (30:15 ratio) and the Valsalva maneuver (Valsalva ratio). These tests require a continuous recording of heart rate by simple electrocardiograph (ECG), subsequently elaborated via a specialist software. It is essential to inspect the ECG trace (on paper or monitor) in order to exclude artifacts or any type of arrhythmias from the calculations. Valsalva maneuver is a forced expiration with an open glottis against resistance. This causes changes in both BP and heart rate. During strain, tachycardia is initially determined by vagal withdrawal and afterwards by sympathetic activation. The Valsalva ratio is calculated as the ratio between the longest RR interval after the expiratory straining and the shortest RR interval during the expiratory straining
Change in 30:15 Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs PlaceboBaseline to 24 weeksLying to Standing (30:15) ratio: HR increases after standing to maintain an appropriate stroke volume, and then decreases. The maximum increase in heart rate generally occurs between the 10th and the 20th beat after standing, whereas heart rate generally returns to lower values between the 25th and the 35th beat. After lying in the supine position for at least 5 minutes, the subject is invited to stand up quickly but remain relaxed for 3 to 5 minutes. The ratio is the longest RR interval measured between the 25th and the 35th beat divided by the shortest RR interval measured between the 10th and the 20th beat after standing up.
Change in SDNN From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs PlaceboBaseline to 24 weeksTime domain analysis of Heart Rate Variability includes SDNN and RMSSD measurements. It is acquired by continuous recording of heart rate by simple electrocardiograph (ECG) with the subject in supine or sitting position, resting and breathing at a controlled rate (15 breaths per minute) for 5 minutes. It is essential to inspect the ECG trace in order to exclude artifacts or any type of arrhythmias from the calculations. SDNN is the standard deviation of the beat to beat (NN) variability which is a measure of both sympathetic and parasympathetic action on HR.
Change in RMSSD From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs PlaceboBaseline to 24 weeksTime domain analysis of Heart Rate Variability includes SDNN and RMSSD measurements. It is acquired by continuous recording of heart rate by simple electrocardiograph (ECG) with the subject in supine or sitting position, resting and breathing at a controlled rate (15 breaths per minute) for 5 minutes. It is essential to inspect the ECG trace in order to exclude artifacts or any type of arrhythmias from the calculations. RMSSD is the root mean square of successive R-R intervals and is a measure primarily of parasympathetic activity on HR.
Change in Resting Heart Rate From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs PlaceboBaseline to 24 weeksThe primary outcome is the change from baseline to endpoint (24 weeks) in measures of autonomic function using provocative tests (CARTs), measures of heart rate variability and resting heart rate
Change in Feet ESC From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs PlaceboBaseline to 24 weeksThe coprimary outcome is the change, from baseline to endpoint (24 weeks), of peripheral autonomic function using sudorimetry. Sudoscan measures the sweating capacity of palms and soles and is expressed as electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) of feet and hands. ESC, expressed in micro-Siemens (µS), is the ratio between the current generated and the constant direct voltage stimulus applied to palms and soles between the electrodes. ESC is dependent on the glands' capability to transfer chloride ions and reflects small-C fiber function.
Change in Hands ESC From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs PlaceboBaseline to 24 weeksThe coprimary outcome is the change, from baseline to endpoint (24 weeks), of peripheral autonomic function using sudorimetry. Sudoscan measures the sweating capacity of palms and soles and is expressed as electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) of feet and hands. ESC, expressed in micro-Siemens (µS), is the ratio between the current generated and the constant direct voltage stimulus applied to palms and soles between the electrodes. ESC is dependent on the glands' capability to transfer chloride ions and reflects small-C fiber function.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

One hundred and thirteen subjects were screened between 05OCT2015 and 29MAR2018 at Eastern Virginia Medical School Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders Outpatient Clinic

Pre-assignment details

Of the 113 patients screened, 29 screened failed and 84 were enrolled

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Cycloset (Bromocriptine-QR)
Subjects were randomized in a double blind 1:1 ratio to receive UDT (usual diabetes therapy) plus bromocriptine-QR. Following randomization subjects were titrated to the maximum tolerated dose of the study drug over a four-week period. During these first 4 weeks, the daily dose of the study drug was titrated up by one tablet (0.8 mg bromocriptine-QR) per day on a weekly basis until a maximal tolerated dose of at least two tablets (1.6 mg/day bromocriptine-QR) and no more than four tablets (3.2 mg/per day b-QR) was achieved. Subjects were maintained at their maximum tolerated dose of between two to four tablets per day (1.6 to 3.2 mg bromocriptine-QR per day) for the duration of the study (24 weeks). Subjects were evaluated at 4 weeks after randomization, at 12 weeks after randomization, and then at study end (week 24 or early termination). Cycloset: Cycloset 1.6 -3.2 mg/day
43
Placebo
Subjects were randomized in a double blind 1:1 ratio to receive UDT (usual diabetes therapy) plus placebo. Following randomization subjects were titrated to the maximum tolerated dose of the study drug over a four-week period. During these first 4 weeks, the daily dose of the study drug was titrated up by one tablet (1 matching placebo tablet) per day on a weekly basis until a maximal tolerated dose of at least two tablets (2 placebo tablets) and no more than four tablets (4 placebo tablets) was achieved. Subjects were maintained at their maximum tolerated dose of between two to four tablets per day (2 to 4 placebo tablets) for the duration of the study. Subjects were evaluated at 4 weeks after randomization, at 12 weeks after randomization, and then at study end (week 24 or early termination). Placebo: Non-active placebo for cycloset
41
Total84

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyAdverse Event103
Overall StudyLack of Efficacy01

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTotalCycloset (Bromocriptine-QR)Placebo
Age, Continuous60.43 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11
59.01 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.39
61.92 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.55
Body Mass Index34.28 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.41
33.55 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.96
35.05 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.87
Diastolic Blood Pressure82.13 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.86
82.19 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.65
82.07 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.11
Duration of Diabetes8.5 Years8 Years10 Years
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
3 Participants2 Participants1 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
81 Participants41 Participants40 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Heart Rate78.17 Beats per minute
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.21
80.91 Beats per minute
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.65
75.29 Beats per minute
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.96
Height66.93 Inches
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.85
66.69 Inches
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.08
67.19 Inches
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.63
Percent Body Fat39.45 percentage of body fat
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.8
39.09 percentage of body fat
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.13
39.86 percentage of body fat
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.55
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
47 Participants25 Participants22 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
36 Participants17 Participants19 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
84 participants43 participants41 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
54 Participants31 Participants23 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
30 Participants12 Participants18 Participants
Systolic Blood Pressure132.76 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.65
131.62 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.22
133.93 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 16.17
Weight219.84 Pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 52.89
214.81 Pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 57.63
225.12 Pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 47.57

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 430 / 41
other
Total, other adverse events
7 / 432 / 41
serious
Total, serious adverse events
3 / 432 / 41

Outcome results

Primary

Change in 30:15 Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo

Lying to Standing (30:15) ratio: HR increases after standing to maintain an appropriate stroke volume, and then decreases. The maximum increase in heart rate generally occurs between the 10th and the 20th beat after standing, whereas heart rate generally returns to lower values between the 25th and the 35th beat. After lying in the supine position for at least 5 minutes, the subject is invited to stand up quickly but remain relaxed for 3 to 5 minutes. The ratio is the longest RR interval measured between the 25th and the 35th beat divided by the shortest RR interval measured between the 10th and the 20th beat after standing up.

Time frame: Baseline to 24 weeks

Population: All participants who completed the study and received 24 weeks of intervention (33 subjects in the bromocriptine QR arm and 37 subjects in the placebo arm)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Cycloset (Bromocriptine-QR)Change in 30:15 Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-0.03 30:15 ratio change
PlaceboChange in 30:15 Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-0.02 30:15 ratio change
p-value: 0.493t-test, 2 sided
Primary

Change in E/I Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo

Cardiac Autonomic Reflex Tests (CARTs) based on heart rate variations are the deep breathing test (E/I ratio), the lying to standing test (30:15 ratio) and the Valsalva maneuver (Valsalva ratio). These tests require a continuous recording of heart rate by either a simple electrocardiograph (ECG), subsequently elaborated via a specialist software. It is essential to inspect the ECG trace (on paper or monitor) in order to exclude artifacts or any type of arrhythmias from the calculations. Expiration/Inspiration (E/I) ratio: Standardized CART that measures parasympathetic control of the HR. The subject in a supine or sitting position is asked to breathe deeply at six breaths per minute (5 seconds in and 5 seconds out) for one minute. The E/I ratio is obtained by calculating the ratio between the average of the 3 longest RR intervals during expiration and the average of the 3 shortest RR intervals during inspiration.

Time frame: Baseline to 24 weeks

Population: All participants who completed the study and received 24 weeks of intervention (33 subjects in the bromocriptine QR arm and 37 subjects in the placebo arm)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Cycloset (Bromocriptine-QR)Change in E/I Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-0.02 E/I ratio change
PlaceboChange in E/I Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-0.05 E/I ratio change
p-value: 0.603t-test, 2 sided
Primary

Change in Feet ESC From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo

The coprimary outcome is the change, from baseline to endpoint (24 weeks), of peripheral autonomic function using sudorimetry. Sudoscan measures the sweating capacity of palms and soles and is expressed as electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) of feet and hands. ESC, expressed in micro-Siemens (µS), is the ratio between the current generated and the constant direct voltage stimulus applied to palms and soles between the electrodes. ESC is dependent on the glands' capability to transfer chloride ions and reflects small-C fiber function.

Time frame: Baseline to 24 weeks

Population: All participants who completed the study and received 24 weeks of intervention (33 subjects in the bromocriptine QR arm and 37 subjects in the placebo arm)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Cycloset (Bromocriptine-QR)Change in Feet ESC From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-2.40 microSiemmens (µS) change
PlaceboChange in Feet ESC From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-4.57 microSiemmens (µS) change
p-value: 0.53t-test, 2 sided
Primary

Change in Hands ESC From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo

The coprimary outcome is the change, from baseline to endpoint (24 weeks), of peripheral autonomic function using sudorimetry. Sudoscan measures the sweating capacity of palms and soles and is expressed as electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) of feet and hands. ESC, expressed in micro-Siemens (µS), is the ratio between the current generated and the constant direct voltage stimulus applied to palms and soles between the electrodes. ESC is dependent on the glands' capability to transfer chloride ions and reflects small-C fiber function.

Time frame: Baseline to 24 weeks

Population: All participants who completed the study and received 24 weeks of intervention (33 subjects in the bromocriptine QR arm and 37 subjects in the placebo arm)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Cycloset (Bromocriptine-QR)Change in Hands ESC From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-1.71 microSiemmens (µS) change
PlaceboChange in Hands ESC From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-9.83 microSiemmens (µS) change
p-value: 0.005t-test, 2 sided
Primary

Change in Resting Heart Rate From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo

The primary outcome is the change from baseline to endpoint (24 weeks) in measures of autonomic function using provocative tests (CARTs), measures of heart rate variability and resting heart rate

Time frame: Baseline to 24 weeks

Population: All participants who completed the study and received 24 weeks of intervention (33 subjects in the bromocriptine QR arm and 37 subjects in the placebo arm)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Cycloset (Bromocriptine-QR)Change in Resting Heart Rate From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-0.73 beats per minute change
PlaceboChange in Resting Heart Rate From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-2.00 beats per minute change
p-value: 0.537t-test, 2 sided
Primary

Change in RMSSD From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo

Time domain analysis of Heart Rate Variability includes SDNN and RMSSD measurements. It is acquired by continuous recording of heart rate by simple electrocardiograph (ECG) with the subject in supine or sitting position, resting and breathing at a controlled rate (15 breaths per minute) for 5 minutes. It is essential to inspect the ECG trace in order to exclude artifacts or any type of arrhythmias from the calculations. RMSSD is the root mean square of successive R-R intervals and is a measure primarily of parasympathetic activity on HR.

Time frame: Baseline to 24 weeks

Population: All participants who completed the study and received 24 weeks of intervention (33 subjects in the bromocriptine QR arm and 37 subjects in the placebo arm)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Cycloset (Bromocriptine-QR)Change in RMSSD From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-3.16 Milliseconds (ms) change
PlaceboChange in RMSSD From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-0.57 Milliseconds (ms) change
p-value: 0.63t-test, 2 sided
Primary

Change in SDNN From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo

Time domain analysis of Heart Rate Variability includes SDNN and RMSSD measurements. It is acquired by continuous recording of heart rate by simple electrocardiograph (ECG) with the subject in supine or sitting position, resting and breathing at a controlled rate (15 breaths per minute) for 5 minutes. It is essential to inspect the ECG trace in order to exclude artifacts or any type of arrhythmias from the calculations. SDNN is the standard deviation of the beat to beat (NN) variability which is a measure of both sympathetic and parasympathetic action on HR.

Time frame: Baseline to 24 weeks

Population: All participants who completed the study and received 24 weeks of intervention (33 subjects in the bromocriptine QR arm and 37 subjects in the placebo arm)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Cycloset (Bromocriptine-QR)Change in SDNN From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-3.97 Milliseconds (ms) change
PlaceboChange in SDNN From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-0.80 Milliseconds (ms) change
p-value: 0.524t-test, 2 sided
Primary

Change in Valsalva Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo

Cardiac Autonomic Reflex Tests (CARTs) based on heart rate variations are the deep breathing test (E/I ratio), the lying to standing test (30:15 ratio) and the Valsalva maneuver (Valsalva ratio). These tests require a continuous recording of heart rate by simple electrocardiograph (ECG), subsequently elaborated via a specialist software. It is essential to inspect the ECG trace (on paper or monitor) in order to exclude artifacts or any type of arrhythmias from the calculations. Valsalva maneuver is a forced expiration with an open glottis against resistance. This causes changes in both BP and heart rate. During strain, tachycardia is initially determined by vagal withdrawal and afterwards by sympathetic activation. The Valsalva ratio is calculated as the ratio between the longest RR interval after the expiratory straining and the shortest RR interval during the expiratory straining

Time frame: Baseline to 24 weeks

Population: All participants who completed the study and received 24 weeks of intervention (33 subjects in the bromocriptine QR arm and 37 subjects in the placebo arm)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Cycloset (Bromocriptine-QR)Change in Valsalva Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo-0.02 Valsalva ratio change
PlaceboChange in Valsalva Ratio From Baseline to Endpoint After 24 Weeks of Intervention With Bromocriptine QR vs Placebo0.02 Valsalva ratio change
p-value: 0.068t-test, 2 sided

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026