The BREAKOUT Study

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Life-style Interventions for modulating the BRain PhEnotype of TAKOtsUbo CardiomyopaThy The BREAKOUT Study

  • IRAS ID

    283639

  • Contact name

    Dana Dawson

  • Contact email

    dana.dawson@abdn.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Aberdeen

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterised by sudden onset left ventricular dysfunction precipitated by major stress. This neuro-cardiac condition has a 5-year morbidity and mortality comparable with acute myocardial infarction and no current therapies exist. The psycho-somatic basis of Takotsubo suggests that its neuro-biology could be amenable to modulation. Here, we propose a mechanistic three-arm pilot feasibility trial of standardised physical exercise training, cognitive behavioural therapy and current standard of care in patients who suffered a very recent episode of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The primary end-point will be the between groups difference in hippocampal volume change from the acute phase (< 3 weeks from presentation) to follow-up (12 weeks post-randomisation). If successful, this will uncover a measurable brain biomarker of successful therapy in takotsubo cardiomyopathy and will guide towards best neuro-pharmacological interventions in this potentially fatal condition.

  • REC name

    South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    20/SC/0305

  • Date of REC Opinion

    15 Sep 2020

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion