Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Longitudinal Assessment of Protein Markers in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients With Central Nervous System Involvement

This study is gathering samples of spinal fluid from children who have brain or nerve conditions. Researchers are trying to find special substances, called biomarkers, in this fluid. Doctors already use these kinds of markers to help diagnose certain brain conditions in adults, but there isn't much information for children yet. The goal is to discover new markers that can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses for children in the future. This research could help doctors understand these conditions better and improve care for young patients, particularly for rare diseases where information is scarce.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Imagine Institute

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2036

Neurologic Disorder Central Nervous System Diseases

What is this study about?

This study is about understanding diseases that affect the brain and nervous system in children. Imagine your brain and spinal cord as the body's main control centre. Sometimes, things can go wrong, leading to conditions that doctors need to understand better. Researchers in this study are looking at a special fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds your brain and spinal cord. It's a bit like the bodyguard and nutrient provider for these vital organs.

Doctors are searching for tiny clues, called protein markers, within this fluid. For adults, some of these markers are already helpful for diagnosing certain brain conditions early on. However, we don't have as much information about these markers in children. This study aims to fill that gap by collecting CSF samples. The hope is to find specific patterns or markers that could help doctors diagnose illnesses in children more quickly and accurately in the future. Such discoveries could make a real difference, especially for children with rare conditions where every bit of information is crucial.

By carefully studying these samples, the research team hopes to build a valuable 'biobank' of information. This biobank could become a key resource for future research, leading to new and better ways to help children with neurological conditions. It's all about making sure children get the best possible care through earlier diagnosis and a better understanding of their conditions.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve diagnosis of brain and nerve conditions in children.
It uses leftover spinal fluid samples from routine medical procedures.
No extra tests or visits are required for participants.
The goal is to find clues (biomarkers) for earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
Participation helps future children with similar conditions.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are a patient, of any age, who needs to have a sample of your spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) collected for medical reasons. This collection might happen during a surgery involving your brain or spine, or through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

It's very important that you (or your parent or guardian, if you're under 16) agree for a small leftover part of your spinal fluid sample to be kept and used for this research. This agreement is called giving your consent.

However, you cannot take part if you (or your parent or guardian) do not want to be involved in the study. You always have the right to say no.

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.

Do you have a brain or nerve condition diagnosed by a doctor?
Are you already having a spinal fluid sample collected as part of your medical care?
Are you (or your parent/guardian) happy for a small, leftover part of that sample to be used for research?
Have you (or your parent/guardian) given your written agreement (consent) to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, there won't be any extra appointments or procedures just for this study. Your participation simply means that a small amount of any leftover spinal fluid collected during your routine medical care (such as a surgery or spinal tap) will be stored and used for future research. You won't need to take any special medication or have extra follow-up visits related to the study. The study uses samples that would otherwise be discarded after your medical tests, so it won't impact your usual care.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part is contributing to important research that could lead to better diagnosis and care for children with neurological conditions in the future, especially for rare diseases. Since this study only uses leftover samples from procedures you're already having, there are no additional risks to you from participating. You always have the right to change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades
Verified postcode
Paris, France

Common questions

What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

CSF is a clear, watery fluid that surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord. Doctors sometimes collect a sample of it to help understand certain medical conditions.

Why are you collecting CSF samples?

We are looking for tiny clues (protein markers) in the fluid that could help doctors diagnose brain and nerve conditions in children earlier and more accurately in the future.

Will taking part mean extra procedures for me?

No, there are no extra procedures. We only use a small leftover portion of CSF from samples that are already being collected as part of your regular medical care.

Who can take part in this study?

Anyone who needs a CSF sample collected for medical reasons and (or their parent/guardian) agrees for a small part of it to be used for research.

Can I change my mind after agreeing to take part?

Yes, you can withdraw your consent at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Marie-Louise FREMOND, Pr, MD

marie-louise.fremond@institutimagine.org +33 1 42 75 44 43 Official trial record

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