Study of the Pathogenesis of Rett Syndrome

OBJECTIVES: I. Extend current knowledge of the phenotype and natural history of Rett syndrome (RS).

II. Continue the search for a cytogenetic and/or DNA marker. III. Study the effects of cholinergic drugs based on preliminary evidence for reduced levels of brain acetylcholine, while continuing supportive care to modify seizures, respiratory abnormalities, and motor disturbances, and improve nutrition, behavior, and learning.

IV. Identify targets for future therapeutic interventions, e.g., growth factors, to influence neurologic recovery.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Detailed Description

PROTOCOL OUTLINE: Patients receive a comprehensive clinical evaluation including an ophthalmologic exam; speech, communication, and developmental assessment; nutritional evaluation; neurologic exam; respiratory monitoring; and cytogenetic studies.

Selected patients with malnutrition are given night feedings of Pediasure with Fiber by nasogastric tube. Specific recommendations for feeding techniques and diet are made.

Selected patients with seizures or severe hyperventilation and progressive rigidity are nonrandomly assigned to dextromethorphan or topiramate therapy.

Oral dextromethorphan is maintained 6 months to 1 year; duration of therapy depends on response. Oral topiramate is given for 6 months to 1 year, and Aricept for 6 months to 1 year.

Concurrent anticonvulsants may require dose adjustments while on above protocols. Supportive care for constipation, scoliosis, and weight loss is allowed.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment

120

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

1 second to 45 years (Child, Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA:

Rett syndrome

Diagnosis confirmed on study

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Collaborators

Investigators

  • Study Chair: Sakkubai Naidu, Johns Hopkins University

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

January 1, 1995

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

February 24, 2000

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 24, 2000

First Posted (Estimate)

February 25, 2000

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

June 24, 2005

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 23, 2005

Last Verified

December 1, 1998

More Information

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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