Clinical Trial: Genetic Studies in Patients and Families With Infantile Spasms

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Genetic Studies in Patients and Families With Infantile Spasms

Brief Summary:

Infantile spasms (IIS), a characteristic epilepsy syndrome of infancy with often catastrophic developmental consequences, is known in some patients to have many different genetic, metabolic and structural etiologies. However, for most patients IIS is the only presenting clinical feature and the specific cause is unknown. Only two FDA approved pharmacologic treatments for IIS exist, Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and vigabatrin. While vigabatrin may be the treatment of choice for Tuberous Sclerosis as a cause for IS, ACTH is the treatment of choice for all others. Unfortunately, a substantial number of patients may still not respond to ACTH and there is no a priori way that suggests which patients may be responders. This has led to the following key questions:

Can novel genetic analyses determine known genetic causes of IS with greater efficiency (more timely and cost-effective)? Can novel genetic analyses determine previously unknown disease modifying genes that predispose individuals to develop IS? Can novel genetic analyses elaborate genes and gene polymorphisms that favor ACTH responsiveness? Do these polymorphisms suggest strategies to improve ACTH responsiveness?

Detailed Summary:

Primary Aim 1: Apply whole-exome sequencing to determine possible causes of cryptogenic IS and evaluate adding whole-exome sequencing to standard practice for determining causes of IS. Sub-aim 1: Determine the effectiveness of whole-exome sequencing in suggesting disease-modifying genes that may contribute to triggering IS.

Primary Aim 2: Determine genes, through whole-exome sequencing, that may play a role in determining ACTH responsiveness for IS. Sub-aim 2: Correlate genes or genetic factors (haplotypes) associated with ACTH responsiveness and disease modification.

Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver

Current Primary Outcome: Determine the effectiveness of novel genetic analyses in suggesting disease-modifying genes that may contribute to triggering IIS. [ Time Frame: Results of the DNA studies will be evaluated prior to completion of the 5th year to assess the need for further investigations. ]

Original Primary Outcome:

Current Secondary Outcome: Determine genes, through novel genetic analyses, that may play a role in determining ACTH responsiveness for IIS [ Time Frame: Results of the DNA studies will be evaluated prior to completion of the 5th year to assess the need for further investigations ]

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: University of Colorado, Denver

Dates:
Date Received: November 6, 2012
Date Started: March 2013
Date Completion: September 2017
Last Updated: March 10, 2017
Last Verified: March 2017