Validation of an Objective Instrument to Measure Hot Flashes During Menopause (FLAME)

Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Status: Terminated

Conditions: Menopause; Hot Flashes

Treatments: Device: iButton®

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03642119

PBRC 2018-027

Details and patient eligibility

About

The overarching aim of this study is to assess the validity of the iButton®, a dual temperature and humidity sensing device (DS1923; Maxim IntegratedTM), as an objective method to assess hot flash incidence and dynamics in both a real world (ambulatory) and controlled (laboratory) setting. This study will test the overarching hypothesis that both self-report hot flashes in both an ambulatory and laboratory setting will correlate (confirm) the temperature and humidity sensing observed via the iButton® technology.

Full description

Using iButton® technology as an objective instrument to measure hot flash dynamics, the investigators will validate the technology in 12 perimenopausal women ages 45-60 y and BMI 18.5-40 kg/m2 who experience greater than or equal to 4 hot flashes per day. First, the investigators will validate the iButton® technology against self-report (subjective) hot flash incidence in a real world, ambulatory condition (via a hot flash journal). Next, the investigators will validate the iButton® technology during a controlled, laboratory-stimulated hot flash using a tube-lined suit that circulates warm water uniformly around the lower limbs (Med-EngTM). During the stimulated hot flash, the investigators will simultaneously measure core body temperature, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, and heart rate alongside the iButton® to correlate (confirm) the observed thermoregulatory changes and further assess validity. To date, existing studies using iButtons® to assess changes in skin temperature have been conducted.

Each subject will undergo a two-phased screening to determine eligibility. Pre-enrollment measurements will include standard anthropometrics (weight, height), vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate), fasting blood draw, and questionnaires, as well as a 7-day hot flash journal that captures frequency and severity screening. Post-enrollment measurements will include simultaneous objective (via iButtons®) and subjective (via self-report journal) hot flash recordings (i.e., field testing), as well as a final laboratory visit will be conducted at Louisiana State University's School of Kinesiology and include body composition assessment, as well as the following assessments during a stimulated hot flash -- core temperature, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, and heart rate.

Enrollment: 12 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 45 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy female
• Ages 45-60 y
• BMI between 18.5 kg/m2 and 40 kg/m2 (inclusive)
• Self-reported ≥4 hot flashes per day (for 4 out of the 7 days) (via 7-d hot flash journal)
• Meets both criteria for "peri-menopause (late phase)" classification: (1) experiences menopause-related symptoms (including hot flashes); (2) has hot gone 12 months in a row without a menstrual cycle; however, has sometimes more than 60 days between cycles.
• Medically cleared for participation by the Medical Investigator

Exclusion criteria

• Current smokers, or having smoked within the last 3 months
• History of diabetes (or other metabolic diseases)
• History of neurological disease
• History of cardiovascular disease
• Taking hormone replacement therapy, or other therapies/supplements designed to reduce severity of menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes)
• Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding

Trial design

12 participants in 1 patient group

iButton® Validation in Perimenopause

Description:

Women in the late phase of perimenopause (based on the STRAW+10 criteria).

Treatment:

Device: iButton®