Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Prognostic Impact of Neopterin on Resumption of Walking After a Fracture of the Upper Neck of the Femur in the Elderly

Breaking a hip is a serious problem for many older people, often leading to difficulty walking and losing their independence. Sadly, many don't recover fully, and some even die within a year. This study aims to find a better way to predict who might struggle most after a hip fracture. Researchers are looking at a substance called neopterin in the blood. They believe neopterin levels might show how the body is coping with the stress of the fracture. By taking a simple blood sample when someone first arrives at the hospital, doctors hope to learn if this blood test can predict whether a person will regain their ability to walk well within 30 days after surgery. This information could help doctors provide more targeted care to those who need it most.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

150

Start

16 May 2022

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2025

Fracture of Neck of Femur Resumption of Walking

What is this study about?

Hip fractures are a major health issue, especially for people over 75. They can hugely impact someone's life, making it hard to walk or live independently. Unfortunately, many people don't fully recover, and some even pass away within a year of breaking their hip. Doctors and researchers are always looking for better ways to help people who have had a hip fracture.

This study focuses on trying to predict how well someone will recover after breaking their hip. The aim is to find out if a particular substance in the blood, called neopterin, can act as an early warning sign. Neopterin is something the body produces when it's under stress or fighting off serious issues. By checking its levels right after a hip fracture, doctors hope to get an idea of how the body is reacting and if someone might have a harder time getting back on their feet.

Understanding this could be really helpful. If doctors can identify early on who is at a higher risk of not recovering well, they can offer more specific support and care from the very beginning. This might mean different types of rehabilitation or extra attention to help them regain their ability to walk and live independently, making a real difference to their quality of life.

Key takeaways

Study looks at hip fractures in older people (75+).
A blood test (neopterin) might predict walking recovery.
Could help doctors give better, more targeted care.
Only involves a single blood sample upon hospital arrival.
No changes to your standard medical treatment.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for older adults, specifically those aged 75 or older, who have health insurance. We're interested in two main groups: one group who has recently broken the upper part of their thigh bone near the hip (a hip fracture) and has been admitted to a special unit that cares for older people after surgery. The other group will be older adults admitted to the hospital for other reasons, but who haven't had any serious, sudden health problem.

There are also some reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. For example, if you've had multiple serious injuries, have certain types of cancer, an autoimmune disease, or are taking certain strong medications that affect your immune system (like high-dose steroids), you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you have a broken bone that's due to a disease or a previous artificial joint breaking, you wouldn't be included.

For those who haven't had a hip fracture, you also wouldn't be eligible if you have severe memory problems (making it hard to answer questions or understand), have had a hip fracture in the last year, or are under a court-ordered protection measure. If you're interested, the study team will go through all the details to make sure it's right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 75 years old or older?
Do you have health insurance?
Have you recently broken the top part of your thigh bone near your hip?
Are you NOT currently taking strong medications that suppress your immune system?
Do you NOT have active cancer or a severe autoimmune disease?
Are you NOT currently dealing with multiple significant injuries?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it will involve a few simple steps. The main thing will be giving a small blood sample when you first arrive at the hospital. This is a common and quick procedure, much like when you have blood tests done for other medical reasons. There are no extra hospital visits required just for this study, as the blood sample will be taken during your usual admission process.

The study will then involve looking at your health records and how well you recover, specifically focusing on whether you can walk independently 30 days after any surgery for your hip fracture. This information will be collected as part of your standard care, so you won't need to do anything extra. There are no new medications or lengthy follow-up appointments solely for this research. The total duration of your participation, in terms of data collection, will be for the 30 days following your surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help future patients by improving our understanding of hip fracture recovery, potentially leading to better care plans. There is no direct medical benefit to you from being in this study, as it's about gathering information for future improvements. The main risk involved is the slight discomfort and a small bruise from the blood draw, which is a very common and safe procedure. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

GH Pitié-Salpêtrière / Service de gériatrie
Verified postcode
Paris, France

Common questions

What is neopterin?

Neopterin is a natural substance in your blood that increases when your body is under stress or fighting off inflammation, like after an injury such as a hip fracture.

Will taking part in the study change my treatment?

No, your participation will not change the medical treatment you receive for your hip fracture. Your care will remain exactly the same.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved for about 30 days after your hip fracture surgery, as researchers will look at your recovery during that time. The only active step for you is the initial blood sample.

Do I have to do anything extra?

The only extra thing you'll need to do is provide a blood sample when you first arrive at the hospital. Otherwise, all information will be taken from your routine medical care.

What if I change my mind about taking part?

You can change your mind and withdraw from the study at any point, without needing to explain why, and it won't affect your medical care.