Description Module
The Description Module contains narrative descriptions of the clinical trial, including a brief summary and detailed description. These descriptions provide important information about the study's purpose, methodology, and key details in language accessible to both researchers and the general public.
Description Module path is as follows:
Study -> Protocol Section -> Description Module
Description Module
Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-24 @ 6:48 PM
Ignite Modification Date:
2025-12-24 @ 6:48 PM
NCT ID:
NCT04266457
Brief Summary:
We hypothesise that a real-time quaking induced conversion assay for the detection of pathological alpha-synuclein (α -syn RTQuIC) can be used to differentiate between cases of idiopathic REM-sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) and RBD that is symptomatic of prodromal α-synucleinopathies.
Detailed Description:
This study will be the largest analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α-synuclein in Rapid Eye Movement Behaviour Disorder (RBD) patients to date. In line with the The National CJD Research \& Surveillance Unit (NCJDRSU)'s recent inclusion of a positive RT-QuIC for pathological prion protein in the diagnostic criteria for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) \[1\], we aim to deploy this novel method to establish it as an accurate research and diagnostic resource in the assessment and prognosis of RBD. This research is transformative and has the potential to change practice.
Currently, there is no simple method with high sensitivity and specificity available which can identify patients who will go on to develop an α - synucleinopathy. Clinical assessment of a panel of markers (e.g. Postuma et al. 2015) are time-consuming and impractical in normal clinical settings, with the majority of patients presenting to sleep physicians, geriatricians, and non-specialised neurology clinics, both publicly and privately. This has a major impact on counselling strategies for RBD patients, appropriate follow-up, trials of novel neuro-protective agents in alpha-synucleinopathies before full-blown phenotype is manifest and enhancing understanding of pathways involved in RBD out-with the dopaminergic system.
RBD is a common, sometimes fatal disease (through injury to self/others) and treatments are indiscriminate regarding aetiology with limited evidence-base. A simple test using CSF (analogous to measuring CSF-orexin levels to diagnose narcolepsy+cataplexy) with high sensitivity and specificity is ideal. Thus, we believe that the central thesis of our work will not only inform subsequent behavioural, genetic and neuroimaging characterisation of our established RBD cohort, but will also translate the α-syn RT-QuIC concept into evidence-based and effective clinical practice.
Study:
NCT04266457
Study Brief:
Protocol Section:
NCT04266457