High-Dose Deferoxamine in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (Hi-DEF)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health, is looking for individuals to participate in clinical studies.  Participating in clinical trials allows you to play an active role in research on the nature and causes of many disorders of the brain and nervous system, and to possibly help physician-scientists develop future treatments.  The information below is designed to help you quickly learn about actively recruiting research studies for which you or someone you know may be eligible.

Description:

This study will evaluate the effects of the drug deferoxamine mesylate, or deferoxamine, on brain hemorrhage. A brain hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel in part of the brain bursts open, causing blood to leak into the brain. The blood contains iron, and excessive iron damages the brain. Deferoxamine is used to remove excess iron from the body. 

The main purpose of this study is to determine if the use of deferoxamine can reduce the effects of the brain hemorrhage and improve the outcome for these patients.  Scientists specifically will study how the drug affects a person’s ability to function well and to think after a brain hemorrhage.  The researchers also hope to learn more about the safety of deferoxamine.

A total of 324 participants will be enrolled in the study.  After an initial screening—which will include neurological and physical exams, and a medical history—participants will be randomly assigned to one of two study groups.  One group will receive deferoxamine and the other group will receive a placebo (an inactive substance). The drug will be given within 24 hours after the brain hemorrhage occurs. The duration of the study for participants is approximately three months.

Eligibility Criteria:

Please follow this link for trial eligibility information to share with your doctor. 

Study Design: 

Interventional

Study Locations: 

Multiple international locations

For more information:

Contact: Magdy Selim, MD, PhD, telephone: 617-632-8913; email: mselim@bidmc.harvard.edu;
Visit: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01662895

Last Reviewed July 2, 2013