Full Text View  
  Tabular View  
  Contacts and Locations  
  No Study Results Posted  
  Related Studies  
Exposure to Neurotoxins as Risk Factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
This study has been completed.
Sponsored by: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Information provided by: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00339976
  Purpose

This study is a follow-up to an earlier study that examined the relationship of This study will examine whether exposure to neurotoxins, such as lead, mercury, solvents, and pesticides, can contribute to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The cause of this degenerative disease of the brain and spinal cord is not well understood. Some studies suggest that exposure to environmental neurotoxins may increase its risk. This follow-up study will examine the relationship of neurotoxin exposure to the interval between the diagnosis of ALS and death. It will also examine the possible roles of genetics, lifestyle and dietary factors in the disease. Information on ALS patients previously enrolled in the study will be used to examine this relationship. No new individuals will be enrolled in the study.


Condition
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
ALS

Genetics Home Reference related topics: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
MedlinePlus related topics: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
U.S. FDA Resources
Study Type: Observational
Official Title: Ascertainment of Death in ALS Patients

Further study details as provided by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC):

Estimated Enrollment: 0
Study Start Date: August 2002
Estimated Study Completion Date: April 2008
Detailed Description:

Objective: The objective of this proposal is linkage with the National Death Index (NDI) for cases from a study that was conducted in the early 1990's. The purpose of the initial study was to examine the role that lead and other exposures, including mercury and solvents, play in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Study population: The study involved 110 ALS cases and 256 population based controls, recruited in New England between 1993 and 1996. Data collection involved an interview, blood collection, and measurement of bone lead using x-ray fluorescence.

Design and outcome parameters: The results of this study suggested that lead exposure was a risk factor for ALS. Compared to controls, cases were more likely to have occupational lead exposure, and both blood and bone lead levels were higher in cases. We are presently analyzing data on other neurotoxic exposures including mercury, solvents, and pesticides. In order to investigate prognosis, we would like to determine the date of death by searching the National Death Index. This information will enable us to evaluate the relationship of neurotoxic exposures to ALS prognosis.

  Eligibility

Genders Eligible for Study:   Both
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:   No
Criteria
  • INCLUSION CRITERIA:

The purpose of the NDI search will be to verify death and obtain date and cause of death information for the study participants.

  Contacts and Locations
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00339976

Locations
United States, North Carolina
NIEHS, Research Triangle Park
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States, 27709
Sponsors and Collaborators
  More Information

Publications:
Study ID Numbers: 999902275, 02-E-N275
Study First Received: June 19, 2006
Last Updated: April 22, 2008
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00339976  
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government

Keywords provided by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC):
Case-Control Study
Death Certificates
National Death Index
Cause of Death Information
Lead Exposure
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
ALS

Study placed in the following topic categories:
Death
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Neuromuscular Diseases
Spinal Cord Diseases
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Central Nervous System Diseases
Lou Gehrig's disease
Sclerosis
Degenerative motor system disease
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Motor neuron disease
Motor Neuron Disease

Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Pathologic Processes
Nervous System Diseases

ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on January 14, 2009