Richmond Research Institute Pte Ltd

The purpose of this study is to establish an electrocardiogram (ECG) data library to facilitate future studies on heart disease. Additionally, the study will be used to monitor changes in the patient's standard of care throughout the study period and gather patient perspectives on routine diagnostic procedures and disease monitoring and feedback on the design of heart failure trials.

Cardiac amyloidosis is a condition where the heart muscle, amongst other tissues, is infiltrated by the abnormal build-up of proteins called amyloid. This stiffens and thickens the heart muscle over time which makes it less efficient and puts further stress and strain on the other chambers of the heart, leading to heart failure. The commonest form, that affects predominantly the elderly, is called 'wild-type' ATTR amyloid (TTR is the protein that accumulates). In this condition a patient has a 60% chance of admission to hospital each year after diagnosis. There is no current treatment for ATTR amyloid other than using water tablets to reduce excess fluid and prevent more serious fluid build up in lungs and other tissues. Increasing body weight is the most reliable clinical sign of this fluid build up.
Tele-monitoring is the practice of monitoring patients from a distance and has been shown to reduce heart failure admissions and death in patients with heart failure from any cause. Due to reduced access to primary and secondary care during COVID-19 the investigators instigated tele-monitoring of heart failure in ATTR amyloid patients. This appeared to be an effective intervention in the pilot study. The investigators propose to monitor the weight of patients with cardiac amyloidosis at home and intervene where a build up of fluid is observed by telephone discussion with a doctor. The investigators propose to evidence this in a prospective clinical trial. The investigators will evaluate the effect fairly by comparing tele-monitoring with usual care.

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for sudden cardiac death, with the QTc interval on electrocardiograms (ECGs) often prolonged in diabetic patients due to factors such as hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance. Drugs like moxifloxacin can further exacerbate this effect, especially in those with diabetes. A previous trial on Type 1 diabetes suggested that hyperglycaemia and moxifloxacin have additive effects, prompting an investigation into whether similar effects occur in Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), particularly in individuals with high insulin resistance. This study aims to evaluate whether moxifloxacin-induced QT-prolongation is amplified by elevated blood glucose levels or insulin deficiency in T2DM patients, considering potential differences between sexes. Blood biomarkers will be analysed to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. The trial will involve at least 24 male and female participants with insulin-resistant T2DM, aged 18 to 64 years, conducted at Richmond Pharmacology Ltd. Participants will receive treatments with glucose, moxifloxacin, and placebos while closely monitored for side effects during an inpatient stay, followed by outpatient appointments.