Alcohol and Atherosclerosis Pilot Study (AAAPILOT)

Beth Israel Lahey Health

Status

Completed

Conditions

Atherosclerosis

Treatments

Other: ethanol

Other: Ethanol-free beverage

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

NIH

Identifiers

NCT00786279

2008P-000164 AAAPILOT

R21AA016110 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

1R21AA016110 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Details and patient eligibility

About

We propose a pilot study to determine the feasibility of a long-term clinical trial of alcohol intake on atherosclerosis, the first step in determining whether moderate drinking prevents cardiovascular disease and hence in understanding the full health effects of alcohol across the population. We will randomize 40 participants aged 55 and older to a six-month period of consumption of 1 glass per day of either pure alcohol (diluted to the strength of wine) or water. At baseline and after 6 months, we will measure several standard and novel cardiovascular risk markers in the blood and will perform magnetic resonance imaging to measure atherosclerosis of the aorta.

Full description

The feasibility of a long-term randomized trial of alcohol intake on clinical endpoints is uncertain. One approach that could minimize the size and duration of such a randomized trial would be to assess the effect of alcohol on progression of radiologically-defined atherosclerosis.

We propose a proof-of-principle pilot study of the effect of longer-term alcohol intake on atherosclerosis. We will recruit and randomize 40 participants aged 55 and older at high risk for CHD to a six-month period of consumption of a single 150 ml glass per day of either 10% ethanol (approximating wine) or water. At baseline and after 6 months, we will assess aortic atherosclerosis using magnetic resonance imaging. We will determine adherence in several ways, including serum markers, dietary recalls, and measurement of unused beverage. The primary outcomes in this feasibility study will be compliance with alcohol intake and the two MRI examinations. As secondary outcomes, we will measure standard and novel cardiovascular risk markers, including inflammatory markers and measures of glucose metabolism. We will assess safety on a continual basis, including repeated testing of liver enzymes and blood counts.

If successful, this pilot study will form the basis for a more definitive trial to determine the effect of alcohol intake on progression of atherosclerosis, which could itself establish the feasibility of even larger, longer-term studies of alcohol intake and occurrence of cardiovascular events.

Enrollment

39 patients

Sex

All

Ages

55+ years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Diabetes
Current Smoking
Hypertension
Family history of heart disease
High LDL Cholesterol (>130 mg/dl)
Low HDL CHolesterol (<40 mg/dl)
Body Mass Index of 30 kg/m^2
Waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women
Report intake of at least one drink in the last month
Post-menopause (if woman)

Exclusion criteria

History of myocardial infarction (MI)/ heart attack within prior 6 months.
Revascularization procedure (coronary, carotid, or peripheral)
Stroke
Claustrophobia
Intolerance to previous MRI examinations
Standard MRI contraindications (e.g. pacemaker, intra-auricular implants, or intracranial clips)
Weight over 350 pounds
Active atrial fibrillation
Reports intake of more than 7 drinks per week currently, has previous or current history of alcohol abuse based on standard questionnaires, or who has consumed more than 4 drinks in one day within the last 6 months.
Intolerance or allergy to alcohol consumption (includes flushing)
Allergy to aspartame, acesulfame, or artificial food coloring
Any severe illness expected to cause death or profound disability within 6 months
Evidence of depression (as measured based on a Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression score of 16 or higher)
History of chronic liver disease
Personal history of breast or any gastrointestinal cancer, uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure greater than or equal to 180/110)
Chronic renal failure on dialysis
Current use of Metronidazole or Warfarin
Use of benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and related sedative/ hypnotics 4 or more days per week.
Severe psychiatric illness
Inability to speak English
Lack of a working telephone