RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Genetic Predisposition in Cerebral Palsy

This study explores the idea that inherited genetic factors could contribute to cerebral palsy (CP) in some children. Cerebral palsy affects movement and posture, and while it's often linked to issues during pregnancy or birth, in many cases, the exact cause isn't known. Researchers believe that genetic changes might be a missing piece of the puzzle. They plan to use advanced genetic testing, called whole-exome sequencing, to look for specific genetic differences in children with CP. By understanding these potential genetic links, the study hopes to shed new light on why CP happens. This knowledge could eventually lead to better ways to understand and perhaps even treat the condition in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hospices Civils de Lyon

Enrolment target

250

Start

08 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

08 Mar 2028

Cerebral Palsy

What is this study about?

Cerebral palsy, often called CP, is a condition that affects a child's movement and posture. It's a key reason for developmental challenges in about one in 500 children. We know that CP is caused by damage to the developing brain, either during pregnancy or shortly after birth. Doctors used to think this damage was mainly due to things like a lack of oxygen to the brain.

However, we're now learning that the causes of CP might be more complicated. For example, some children are born with CP even when there were no obvious problems during pregnancy or birth. This study is looking into whether genetic factors, meaning things passed down in families through DNA, could play a role. Some research suggests that up to a third of CP cases might have a genetic link or be influenced by genetic differences.

The research involves using a special genetic test to look closely at the genes of children with CP. By identifying any unusual genetic changes, scientists hope to get a clearer picture of how CP develops. This new understanding could be really important. It might help doctors better understand the condition, assist families in understanding the cause, and potentially open doors to new therapies or treatments in the future.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find genetic reasons for some cases of cerebral palsy.
It uses advanced genetic testing to look at genes in children with CP.
The goal is to better understand CP's causes, which could lead to new insights.
It's an observational study, meaning no new treatments are given.
Participation involves providing a blood sample.
Results might help identify genetic factors in your child's CP.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children with cerebral palsy who are between 2 and 15 years old. To join, your child must have been born after 34 weeks of pregnancy and have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy affecting one or both sides of their body.

Parents or legal guardians of the child need to agree to the genetic study. Also, both parents should be available to have their own genetic samples tested if the researchers find certain genetic changes in the child's DNA. Your family must also be part of the UK social security system, which includes the NHS.

Children cannot take part if they have a known genetic syndrome, or if their CP is clearly caused by specific infections or malformations. They also can't join if their CP was due to severe lack of oxygen at birth that led to serious brain damage, or if it's due to a known clotting problem related to a stroke around birth.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child between 2 and 15 years old?
Does your child have a clinical diagnosis of cerebral palsy?
Was your child born after 34 weeks of pregnancy?
Are you, as the legal guardian, willing to agree to genetic testing?
Are both parents available for potential genetic testing if needed?
Does your child not have a previously known genetic syndrome or clear infection/malformation causing their CP?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study primarily involves genetic testing. If your child is eligible and you agree to take part, a blood sample will be taken from your child. If the researchers find certain genetic changes in your child's DNA, they may then ask for blood samples from both parents for further testing. The study does not involve taking any new medications, additional doctor's visits beyond what is standard for your child's care, or follow-up appointments specifically for the research. The duration of your active participation, mainly involving blood sample collection, would be minimal.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that your family might gain a better understanding of the specific genetic factors that could have contributed to your child's cerebral palsy. This knowledge could be helpful for future family planning or simply for clarity. There are no direct medical benefits to your child from this study. Risks are generally low, mainly related to the discomfort of blood drawing. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and this will not affect your child's medical care.

Locations (2)

Service de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation Pédiatrique - Hôpital Femme-Mère-Enfant
Verified postcode
Bron, France· Recruiting
Service de médecine physique et réadaptative pédiatrique, Pôle pédiatrie-Génétique - Hôpital Couple-Enfant
Verified postcode
Grenoble, France· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is 'whole-exome sequencing'?

This is a special genetic test that looks very closely at all the genes in your child's DNA that provide instructions for making proteins. It's like checking the most important parts of the body's instruction manual.

Will my child receive any new treatment in this study?

No, this study is about understanding the causes of cerebral palsy, not about testing new treatments. Your child will continue to receive their usual medical care.

What if a genetic cause is found for my child's CP?

Finding a genetic cause might help you and your doctors understand more about your child's condition. It could also be useful for future family planning discussions.

Do both parents have to provide a sample?

Parents generally only need to provide samples if certain types of genetic changes are found in the child's DNA, to help the researchers understand these findings better.

Will this study change my child's medical care?

No, taking part in this study will not change the medical care your child receives for their cerebral palsy now or in the future.

How to find out more

Cyril Huissoud, Pr

cyril.huissoud@chu-lyon.fr +33427856565 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.