7 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
This study will examine whether individuals with the fragile X genetic premutation are likely to have emotional, social, and memory deficits and how the brain may be involved in these deficits.
Early Check provides voluntary screening of newborns for a selected panel of conditions. The study has three main objectives: 1) develop and implement an approach to identify affected infants, 2) address the impact on infants and families who screen positive, and 3) evaluate the Early Check program. The Early Check screening will lead to earlier identification of newborns with rare health conditions in addition to providing important data on the implementation of this model program. Early diagnosis may result in health and development benefits for the newborns. Infants who have newborn screening in North Carolina will be eligible to participate, equating to over 120,000 eligible infants a year. Over 95% of participants are expected to screen negative. Newborns who screen positive and their parents are invited to additional research activities and services. Parents can enroll eligible newborns on the Early Check electronic Research Portal. Screening tests are conducted on residual blood from existing newborn screening dried blood spots. Confirmatory testing is provided free-of-charge for infants who screen positive, and carrier testing is provided to mothers of infants with fragile X. Affected newborns have a physical and developmental evaluation. Their parents have genetic counseling and are invited to participate in surveys and interviews. Ongoing evaluation of the program includes additional parent interviews.
The purpose of this study is to determine if memantine is effective in treating symptoms of Fragile X-associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome.
The purpose of this research is to determine if saliva samples can be used as an alternate sample type to test for fragile X. By using saliva instead of blood, it would be easier for patients to have fragile X testing.
By testing physiological responses to anxiety in people with nervous system developmental disorders, this study will identify specific physiological characteristics associated with response to anxiety treatments.
FXTAS is a rare genetic progressive neurodegenerative disorder, linked to a trinucleotide repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene. FXTAS is characterized by tremor and ataxia in addition to atrophy and white matter disease in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to the major clinical observations of intention tremor and gait dysfunction, minor symptoms of parkinsonism, neuropathy, and cognitive decline also significantly impact individuals with FXTAS. The dietary supplement being tested in this study is called Sulforaphane. It is found in broccoli and similar cruciferous vegetables and may cause some gas and discomfort. This is not a study looking at clinical efficacy but instead a study of molecular outcome measures. Investigators want to get more information about how Sulforaphane affects specific biomolecular markers captured in blood. In this study, participants will be taking an increasing amount of the Sulphoraphane supplement pills (238mg/tablet), starting at 1 and increasing to 6, every morning at breakfast for 6 months. In addition, there will be a total of 3 visits (Initial, 3-month and 6-month) to the MIND Institute where participants will be evaluated. At each visit (3 total) participants will undergo a battery of medical and neurologic exams which make take 2-3 days to complete each time. Participants and/or their caregivers will also be asked to fill out questionnaires/surveys. At the initial visit and at 6 months, we will collect blood for analysis. Two MRI scans will be done, also at the initial visit and at 6 months.
Background: * In human DNA, the Fragile X (FMR1) gene helps to regulate the nervous and reproductive systems. If the gene is abnormal, it can cause different kinds of problems, such as abnormal menstrual periods, decreased fertility, muscle tremors, and mental retardation. An abnormal FMR1 gene can also make a person more susceptible to other medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, high blood pressure, seizures, and depression. More research is needed on how abnormalities in the FMR1 gene can lead to these problems, and how often these problems appear in individuals with an abnormal FMR1 gene. * Researchers are interested in developing a patient registry of women who have an abnormality in the FMR1 gene. This registry will allow researchers to follow participants over time and study possible effects of this abnormality on their general and reproductive health. Objectives: - To develop a patient registry of women with an abnormal FMR1 gene and monitor their general and reproductive health. Eligibility: - Women at least 18 years of age who have an abnormal FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. Design: * The following groups of women will be eligible for screening for this study: * Those who have a family member with Fragile X Syndrome or mental retardation * Those who have (or have a family member who has) primary ovarian insufficiency, also known as premature menopause * Those who have (or have a family member who has) certain neurological problems such as tremors or Parkinson's disease. * Eligible participants will be scheduled for an initial study visit at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Participants who have regular menstrual periods should schedule the visit between days 3 and 8 of the menstrual cycle; those who do not have regular periods may have the visit at any time of the month. In addition, all estrogen-based treatments (such as birth control pills) must be stopped for 2 weeks prior to the study visit. * Participants will have a full physical examination, provide a medical history, and provide blood samples for immediate and future testing. Participants will return for yearly visits for the same tests for as long as the study continues. * Participants who have or develop primary ovarian insufficiency related to the FMR1 gene will also have tests to measure bone thickness and will have a vaginal ultrasound to examine the ovaries. These tests will be scheduled for a separate visit, and will be repeated every 5 years for the duration of the study.