Ultrasonography in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis as a Predictor of Disease Progression and Tool in Diagnosis: a Pilot Study

Study Purpose:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Early diagnosis is essential for the success of clinical trials and objective biomarkers are needed for monitoring disease progression. Nerve and muscle ultrasound may provide this information.

This study will collect pilot data to evaluate the value of muscle and nerve ultrasound to identify and monitor disease progression in ALS.

Study Status:

Not recruiting

Disease:

ALS

Study Type:

Observational

Type of Intervention:

N/A

Intervention Name:

N/A

Placebo:

N/A

Phase:

N/A

Study Chair(s)/Principal Investigator(s):

N/A

Clinicaltrials.gov ID:

NCT01785550

Neals Affiliated?

No

Coordinating Center Contact Information

Duke University Medical Center

Durham, North Carolina, 27710 United States

Full Study Summary:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Early diagnosis is essential for the success of clinical trials and objective biomarkers are needed for monitoring disease progression. Nerve and muscle ultrasound may provide this information.

All participants will receive nerve and muscle ultrasound. Ultrasound of 6 muscles and 2 nerves will be performed.

Study Sponsor:

Duke University

Participant Duration:

1 year

Estimated Enrollment:

40

Estimated Study Start Date:

01 / 31 / 2013

Estimated Study Completion Date:

03 / 01 / 2015

Posting Last Modified Date:

03 / 11 / 2015

Date Study Added to neals.org:

02 / 07 / 2013

Minimum Age:

18 Years

Maximum Age:

N/A

Inclusion Criteria:

- Subjects referred to the electromyography laboratory for ALS.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Patients with known comorbid myopathy or neuropathy will be excluded from the study.

- Patients unable to provide their own consent will be excluded.

Duke University Medical Center

Durham, North Carolina 27710
United States