Abstract

Effective recruitment and retention strategies in clinical trials are essential to achieve the enrollment goals. We aimed to identify baseline characteristics predicting dropouts and analyze the effect of retention strategies within the MemAID elderly cohort. The trial consisted of 12 visits during 24 weeks of INI/placebo treatment and 24 weeks of follow-up. Retention strategies were implemented 2 years after the beginning of the study and included incentives (meals, stipend, transportation), revised eligibility criteria, and flexibility in scheduling. A total of 244 participants (122 female; 65.8 ± 9.1 years old, 115 diabetes (DM)) were randomized, and completed baseline (223), treatment (174), and follow-up (156). After randomization, 65 participants (27%, 30 DM [46%]) dropped out. Dropouts occurred earlier in the study (19.6% cumulative failure at 100 days) as compared to later (25.3% cumulative failure at 300 days). Cox models showed no risk of dropout with DM diagnosis, but increased risk (p<0.05) with less education, unmarried status, longer DM duration, higher HbA1c, and no antidiabetic drugs. After retention strategies, the dropout rate per month decreased from 4.1 to 1.8% (p=0.04). These strategies attenuated the risk of dropping out of unmarried status and higher HbA1c. Baseline characteristics allow to predict a risk for dropping out in elderly participants. Retention strategies that increase incentives and lessen the study burden on older participants may be effective to minimize the impact of dropout-related risk factors. Further research into efficacy of retention strategies in elderly DM population is needed (NCT02415556). Disclosure F. Khan: None. D. F. Isaza-pierotti: None. P. Novak: Other Relationship; Self; Dysimmune Foundation, Endonovo Therapeutics, Oxford Press. C. Mantzoros: Advisory Panel; Self; Amgen Inc., GENFIT, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. L. H. Ngo: Consultant; Self; Five Islands Consulting, Other Relationship; Self; Radiological Society of America. V. Novak: Advisory Panel; Spouse/Partner; Endonovo Therapeutics, Inc., Consultant; Spouse/Partner; Dysimmune Foundtation, Other Relationship; Spouse/Partner; Oxford University Press. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (1R01DK103902); U.S. Food and Drug Administration (IND107690); Novo Nordisk (ISS-001063), Medtronic (NERP15-0310); World Health Organization (UTN-U111-1175-1588)

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