The Topical Niacin Skin Flush Test in First Episode Psychosis

Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA)

Status: Terminated

Conditions: Psychotic Disorders; Schizophrenia

Treatments: Other: skin test

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01324297

CDHA-RS_2011-215

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to gather normative data from healthy adults and to determine a sensitive and specific cut-off value for responders and non-responders to the Niacin Skin Flush Test in a sample of first episode psychosis patients.

Enrollment: 107 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 19 to 30 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• caucasian
• within twelve months of initial DSM IV TR diagnosis of schizophreniform psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or psychotic disorder NOS
• outpatient

Exclusion criteria

• known allergy to study compound (methyl nicotinate, vitamin B3, niacin)
• skin conditions (e.g., dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema)
• diagnosis or treatment for medical conditions that may affect normal vascular tone (e.g., diabetes, vasculitis, chronic hypertension, etc.)
• Use of anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, or antihistamine medications within one month prior to study entry
• Use of supplements like Omega 3 fatty acids within 3 months prior to study entry
• Use of vitamin or nutritional supplement containing a dose of niacin/nicotinic acid above 50 mg/day at study entry

Trial design

107 participants in 2 patient groups

Healthy Control

Description:

Caucasian males and females between 19 and 30 years of age.

Treatment:

Other: skin test

First Episode Psychosis

Description:

Caucasian males and females between 19 and 30 years of age within twelve months of initial DSM IV TR diagnosis of schizophreniform psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or psychotic disorder NOS.

Treatment:

Other: skin test