View clinical trials related to Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses.
Filter by:Patients with infantile or late infantile NCL have either a reduced amount of, or are missing, the palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) enzyme or the tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP-I) enzyme. Human central nervous system stem cells (HuCNS-SC) are an investigational product derived from human brain cells. HuCNS-SC have been shown to survive and migrate within the brains of mice. When grown in the laboratory, HuCNS-SC have been shown to produce the PPT1 and TPP-I enzymes. In mice missing the PPT1 enzyme, HuCNS-SC have been shown to increase the amount of this enzyme in the brain, to reduce the amount of abnormal storage material in the brain, and to prevent the death of some neurons (a type of cell) in the brain. Participation in this study will involve screening assessments, surgery to implant HuCNS-SC, medication to suppress the immune system, and a series of follow-up assessments. The length of time from the start of screening through to the last follow-up visit will be approximately 13 months, with frequent visits to the study center during this time. After completion of this study, patients will be monitored for an additional 4 years under a separate long term follow-up protocol.
The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and engraftment of donor hematopoietic cells using this conditioning regimen in patients undergoing a hematopoietic (blood forming) cell transplant for an inherited metabolic storage disease.
In a separate protocol the Department of Genetic Medicine is proposing to carry out a study using gene transfer to treat the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL), a fatal, rare, recessive disorder of the (CNS) in children. In the context that there is little known about the genotype - phenotype correlations of LINCL, and that our referral far exceed the number (n=11) of children that will be entered into the gene transfer protocol, we are proposing to capitalize on this unique opportunity to evaluate this disorder in this separate study. In this context, the aim of this protocol is to study the genotype - phenotype correlations of the CNS manifestations of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. This will be accomplished by comparing the genotype to a neurologic assessment, and LINCL clinical rating scale; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) assessments of the CNS; and routine clinical evaluations.
The aim of this study is to treat the signs and symptoms of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL), a fatal inherited disease in the brain. This will be accomplished by using delivery of a gene (method called gene transfer) to administer to the brain an experimental drug called AAV2CUhCLN2, a gene transfer vector.
This study will examine the effectiveness of a drug called Cystagon in treating infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL), a progressive neurological disease affecting children. At around 11 to 13 months of age, patients develop slowed head growth, mild brain atrophy (wasting), electroencephalographic (EEG) changes and retinal deterioration, with symptoms worsening over time. The disease results from an enzyme deficiency that causes fatty compounds called ceroid to accumulate in cells. In laboratory experiments, Cystagon has helped remove ceroid from cells of patients with INCL. Children with INCL between 6 months and 3 years of age may be eligible for this study. Participants take Cystagon daily by mouth every 6 hours. They are admitted to the NIH Clinical Center for a 4- to 5-day period every 6 months for the following tests and evaluations: - Review of medical history, including a detailed record of seizures, physical examination, blood tests and clinical photographs. For the initial baseline studies, examinations may also be scheduled with pediatric neurology, ophthalmology and anesthesia services. - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain MRI uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and computers to provide detailed images of the brain without the use of X-rays. The patient lies on a table that slides inside a donut-shaped machine containing a magnetic field. The child requires general anesthesia for the procedure. - Electroretinogram (ERG) measures the function of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye. To record the flash ERG, a special contact lens is placed on the eye s surface and the eye is stimulated with flashes of light. Infants and very young children require general anesthesia for the procedure. - Visual evoked potential (VEP) measures the function of the visual pathway from the eye to the brain. To record the VEP, five electrodes are placed on the scalp and the eye is stimulated with flashes of light. Infants and very young children must be anesthetized for the procedure. - Electroencephalogram (EEG) measures brain electrical activity, using electrodes placed on the scalp. The test is useful in defining seizures. The child may need to be sedated to keep still during the test. - Skin biopsy A small piece of skin is removed (usually from the upper arm or shoulder) under local anesthetic to grow cells in the laboratory. This procedure is done at the start of the study and is repeated after 1 year if therapy results are promising. Children s condition may improve, stabilize or worsen during this study. Life may be prolonged without significant improvement in quality. The information gained from the study may help scientists develop more potent drugs to treat INCL.