Description Module
The Description Module contains narrative descriptions of the clinical trial, including a brief summary and detailed description. These descriptions provide important information about the study's purpose, methodology, and key details in language accessible to both researchers and the general public.
Description Module path is as follows:
Study -> Protocol Section -> Description Module
Description Module
Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-24 @ 9:25 PM
Ignite Modification Date:
2025-12-24 @ 9:25 PM
NCT ID:
NCT00459732
Brief Summary:
The purpose of this study is to test whether zinc can improve bone health in young patients with thalassemia.
Detailed Description:
The primary aim of this study is to determine if zinc supplementation improves bone health in young patients with thalassemia. Osteoporosis is a significant co-morbidity in patients with thalassemia which leads to decreased quality of life. The most effective way to prevent osteoporosis is to build strong, dense bones in the early years. A combination of disease, endocrine and nutritional factors likely contribute to the etiology of osteoporosis in this population. However, even well transfused patients with normal gonadal function who are supplemented with calcium have low bone mass. It is hypothesized that patients with thalassemia have low bone mass, in part, due to zinc deficiency. Sub-optimal zinc status has been identified in patients with thalassemia and zinc supplementation has been shown to improve linear growth. To test the primary hypothesis, an 18 month randomized placebo-controlled trial of zinc supplementation (25 mg Zn/day) vs. placebo will be conducted in 60 young patients (6-30 yrs) with thalassemia and low bone mass (spine BMD Z-score \<-1.0). Bone health, as estimated from measurements of bone mass (by DXA and pQCT) and markers of bone formation and resorption will be the primary outcome variables. This will be the first study to examine the effects of zinc. supplementation on bone health in patients with thalassemia. If zinc supplementation is found to have a clinically important effect, this simple, safe, non-invasive therapy could quickly become a part of the standard care of these young patients and improve overall health in children and adult patients with thalassemia
Study:
NCT00459732
Study Brief:
Protocol Section:
NCT00459732