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Mood Stabilizer

Lithium for Broken Bones (LiFT Trial)

Phase 2
Recruiting
Led By Diane Nam, MSc,MD,FRCSC
Research Sponsored by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Fracture that is primarily closed or open fracture that has complete wound coverage
Age 18-55 years
Must not have
Isolated tibia or isolated fibula fracture
Fractures surgically treated with absolute stability/primary bone healing
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 2-6 weeks after injury (non-surgical participants) or 2-6 weeks after surgery (surgical participants)

Summary

This trial is testing if taking a small amount of Lithium for a short period can help broken bones heal faster and better. It targets patients whose fractures are not healing well with traditional treatments. Lithium might help bones repair themselves more quickly by enhancing the natural healing process. Lithium, commonly used in psychiatric medicine, has shown potential in enhancing bone healing.

Who is the study for?
The LiFT trial is for healthy adults aged 18-55 with certain types of broken bones (humerus, femur, tibia/fibula, clavicle) that can heal on their own or after surgery. Participants must not have uncontrolled diseases like cancer or autoimmune disorders, be pregnant/breastfeeding, lactose intolerant, have renal issues or past bad reactions to Lithium.
What is being tested?
This study tests if a low dose of Lithium Carbonate over two weeks helps bone fractures heal better compared to a Lactose Placebo. It's double-blind meaning neither the patients nor the researchers know who gets the real treatment versus placebo until after results are collected.
What are the potential side effects?
While not specified here, common side effects of Lithium may include increased thirst and urination, nausea and general discomfort in the stomach area. More serious but less common side effects could involve changes in heart rhythm or thyroid function.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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My fracture is either fully closed or, if open, the wound is completely covered.
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I am between 18 and 55 years old.
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I was injured or had surgery less than 14 days ago.
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I have a mid-shaft fracture in my arm, leg, or collarbone, possibly with nerve damage.
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My surgery is scheduled within 14 days of my injury.
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I have had a fracture that was treated.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have a broken tibia or fibula, but no other injuries.
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My fracture was fixed surgically and is healing without movement.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~2-6 weeks after injury (non-surgical participants) or 2-6 weeks after surgery (surgical participants)
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 2-6 weeks after injury (non-surgical participants) or 2-6 weeks after surgery (surgical participants) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
radiographic healing of fracture
Secondary study objectives
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
adverse events
physical function
+3 more

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Lithium carbonateExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Lithium carbonate 300mg capsule; once per day for 2 weeks.
Group II: Lactose placeboPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Lactose placebo capsule; once per day for 2 weeks.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Lithium Carbonate
2008
Completed Phase 4
~1270

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.
Mechanism Of Action
Side Effect Profile
Prior Approvals
Other Research
Common treatments for broken bones include anabolic agents and bisphosphonates. Anabolic agents, such as teriparatide, work by stimulating bone formation through the activation of osteoblasts, which are cells responsible for new bone synthesis. This is crucial for patients with broken bones as it accelerates the healing process by enhancing bone regeneration. Bisphosphonates, on the other hand, reduce bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone tissue. This dual approach of promoting bone formation and reducing bone resorption helps in maintaining bone density and strength, thereby facilitating effective fracture healing and reducing the risk of future fractures.
Effect of calcium supplementation on fracture risk: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.Mechanisms Underlying Normal Fracture Healing and Risk Factors for Delayed Healing.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreLead Sponsor
680 Previous Clinical Trials
1,565,706 Total Patients Enrolled
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)OTHER_GOV
1,392 Previous Clinical Trials
26,529,285 Total Patients Enrolled
Diane Nam, MSc,MD,FRCSCPrincipal InvestigatorSunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Media Library

Lithium Carbonate (Mood Stabilizer) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT02999022 — Phase 2
Broken Bones Research Study Groups: Lithium carbonate, Lactose placebo
Broken Bones Clinical Trial 2023: Lithium Carbonate Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT02999022 — Phase 2
Lithium Carbonate (Mood Stabilizer) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT02999022 — Phase 2
~19 spots leftby Dec 2025