NCT07844590 · Thomas Jefferson University
Developing New Ways to Detect Respiratory Impairment Early in ALS
What this study is about
The goal of this observational study is to develop new ways to detect early changes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The study will examine whether changes in breathing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brainstem and spinal cord, and blood markers can identify early signs of ALS before major physical changes occur.
View original scientific description
The goal of this observational study is to develop new ways to detect early changes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The study will examine whether changes in breathing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brainstem and spinal cord, and blood markers can identify early signs of ALS before major physical changes occur. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Can changes in automatic breathing help identify early ALS-related changes? * Can breathing measures distinguish people with ALS from people without ALS? * Do people with genetic risk for ALS who show changes in breathing also have changes in the brainstem and spinal cord or higher levels of blood markers associated with nerve damage? Participants will complete breathing and muscle function tests, an MRI scan of the brainstem and spinal cord, and blood testing. The study will include people with ALS, people with genetic risk for ALS who do not yet have symptoms, and healthy adults for comparison.
Primary outcome measures
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Automatic Breathing Impairment Risk Score (P0.1 + Chemosensitivity) for Detecting ALS-Related Respiratory Dysfunction
Time frame: During the single study visit
A linear prediction risk score combining airway occlusion pressure at 0.1 seconds (P0.1) and chemosensitivity will be developed to distinguish symptomatic ALS participants with respiratory dysfunction from healthy controls. Diagnostic performance of the risk score will be evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC), and an optimal cutoff will be determined. The resulting cutoff will subsequently be used to identify subclinical respiratory impairment in asymptomatic/presymptomatic ALS gene carriers.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Symptomatic participants with ALS must have an ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score of 47/48 or less at the time of recruitment.
- Asymptomatic/presymptomatic participants must have a pathogenic C9orf72 expansion of at least 25 repeats or a similar genetic abnormality known to be associated with ALS.
- Healthy control participants must have no clinically identifiable neurological deficits based on medical history and screening. -
Exclusion criteria
- Any safety concern or contraindication to MRI based on MRI safety screening.
- Healthy control participants who do not pass the neurological screening.
- Metal implants above the waist, including cardiac pacemakers or brain, neck, cervical, or thoracic implants.
- Neurocognitive impairment.
- Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent.
- Younger than 18 years of age.
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations