All studies
Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Multi-omics Study in Citrin Deficiency

This study is investigating Citrin Deficiency (CD), a rare genetic condition that usually affects the liver and how the body processes food. Currently, there's no cure, and people manage symptoms with special diets. A big challenge is that doctors don't have good ways to measure how severe the condition is or if treatments are truly effective. This research will look at blood samples from people with CD to find 'biomarkers'. These are like internal signals that could help doctors understand the condition better, predict its course, and tell if new treatments are helping. The goal is to improve care and find new treatment options for those living with CD.

At a glance

Status
Active not recruiting
Sponsor
Johannes Haeberle
Enrolment target
100
Start
01 Apr 2023
Estimated completion
01 Dec 2026

What is this study about?

Citrin Deficiency (CD) is a rare inherited condition that affects how your body processes energy and removes waste. It's caused by a faulty gene, and it can show up differently at various stages of life. For example, babies might have liver problems, while older children might struggle to grow or have unusual cholesterol levels. In its most severe form, it can become very serious, though thankfully this is less common.

Right now, there isn't a cure for CD. People with the condition usually manage it throughout their lives by carefully following a special diet and having regular check-ups with their doctors. However, it's often hard for doctors to tell exactly how serious the condition is for someone or if the treatments they're using are making a real difference. This is because we don't have clear 'biomarkers'. Think of biomarkers as internal indicators in your body that can be measured, like blood pressure or cholesterol levels, but specifically for CD.

This study hopes to change that. Researchers will be looking very closely at blood samples from people who have Citrin Deficiency. Their goal is to identify reliable biomarkers that can help doctors understand the condition's severity, predict its course, and, importantly, see if new treatments are actually working. By finding these markers, the study aims to pave the way for more effective treatments and better ways to manage CD in the future, ultimately improving the lives of those affected.

Key takeaways

  • New study to find better ways to track Citrin Deficiency (CD).
  • Focuses on finding 'biomarkers' in blood samples.
  • Aims to improve understanding of disease severity and treatment effectiveness.
  • No new treatments or medications are given as part of this study.
  • Open to anyone with a confirmed CD diagnosis, all ages and genders.
  • Participation helps advance research for future CD patients.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you must have a confirmed diagnosis of Citrin Deficiency. This means a doctor has already determined you have the condition, likely through genetic testing or other specific medical tests.

For the control group, who will be compared with patients, individuals must not have any known metabolic diseases. This helps ensure that any differences found in the study samples are related to Citrin Deficiency and not other health conditions.

People of all ages, from newborns to 100 years old, are welcome to participate, and the study is open to both males and females.

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.

  1. Do you have a doctor-confirmed diagnosis of Citrin Deficiency?
  2. Are you able to provide blood samples?
  3. For the control group, do you have any other metabolic conditions?
  4. Are you aged between 0 and 100 years old?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is primarily focused on analysing blood samples, so taking part would mainly involve providing these samples. There are no interventions listed, which means you would not be given any new medications or treatments as part of this study. You would also continue to follow your current medical care plan with your own doctor. There is no specified phase, which suggests it is an observational study rather than a trial testing a new drug. The total duration of your participation would depend on how many samples are needed and over what period, which would be explained fully if you decide to inquire about joining.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is contributing to our understanding of Citrin Deficiency, which could lead to better ways of diagnosing, monitoring, and treating the condition for future patients. While there are no direct personal benefits from receiving new treatments in this study, your participation is invaluable for medical research. The main risk involved would be the discomfort or very rare complications associated with giving blood samples. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (23)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.
  • Mount Sinai Hospital
    Verified postcode
    New York, United States
  • Kurume University
    Unverified
    Kurume-shi, Japan
  • Saitama Medical University
    Verified postcode
    Saitama, Japan
  • Saiseikai Yokohama City Eastern Hospital
    Verified postcode
    Yokohama, Japan
  • Jikei University Hospital
    Verified postcode
    Tokyo, Japan
  • Tohoku University
    Verified postcode
    Sendai, Japan
  • Shinshu University Hospital
    Verified postcode
    Matsumoto, Japan
  • National Hospital Organisation Hokkaido Medical Center
    Unverified
    Hokkaido, Japan
  • Osaka Metropolitan University
    Verified postcode
    Osaka, Japan
  • Chiba Children's Hospital
    Verified postcode
    Chiba, Japan
  • Kumamoto University Hospital
    Verified postcode
    Kumamoto, Japan
  • Yamagata University School of Medicine
    Verified postcode
    Yamagata, Japan

Common questions

What is Citrin Deficiency (CD)?

It's a rare inherited condition affecting how your body processes energy and removes waste, often impacting the liver and metabolism.

Is there a cure for CD?

Currently, there is no cure. Treatment involves managing symptoms, primarily through dietary changes.

What are 'biomarkers'?

Biomarkers are measurable indicators in your body, like certain substances in your blood, that can help doctors understand a disease or how well a treatment is working.

Will I receive new treatment in this study?

No, this study is observational, meaning it focuses on understanding the condition by analysing blood samples, not on testing new treatments.

Who can join the study?

Anyone with a confirmed diagnosis of Citrin Deficiency, of any age or gender, can be considered for participation.

How to find out more

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

Discussion

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