Environmental contributors to peripheral neuropathy in French Guiana
Environmental Factors Associated With Peripheral Neuropathies in French Guiana
This project will test whether infections (Zika, dengue, chikungunya), exposure to mercury or lead, or use of traditional plant remedies are linked to peripheral neuropathy in adults seen at hospitals in French Guiana.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 78 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Cayenne and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07341997 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective multicenter case-control study conducted at hospitals in Cayenne and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. Cases are adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy and controls are adults without peripheral neuropathy seen at the same hospitals. At a single inclusion visit, participants provide blood (for arbovirus serology and metal levels), urine and hair samples (for heavy metal analysis), and complete a questionnaire about traditional plant consumption. There is no longitudinal follow-up as part of the research.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18 or older) seen at the participating hospitals who either have diabetic peripheral neuropathy or chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (cases) or who do not have peripheral neuropathy (controls) and are able to complete a questionnaire.
Not a fit: People under 18, those unable or unwilling to complete the questionnaire, or patients whose neuropathy already has a clear alternative cause are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify preventable environmental or infectious contributors to neuropathy and inform public health actions or clinical testing to reduce exposure and improve diagnosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked arboviral infections and heavy metal exposure to neuropathies in other regions, but combining serology, metal testing, and questionnaires about traditional plant use in French Guiana is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * For the Case group: patients diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy * For the Control group: patients hospitalized or consulting at the hospitals in Cayenne and Saint-Laurent du Maroni, without peripheral neuropathy. Exclusion Criteria: * For the Case and Control groups: patients under the age of 18, those who object to participation and those who are unable to complete the questionnaire.
Where this trial is running
Cayenne and 1 other locations
- Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne — Cayenne, French Guiana (Recruiting)
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Ouest Guyanais — Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, French Guiana (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nathalie DESCHAMPS, Principal Investigator
- Email: nathalie.deschamps@ch-cayenne.fr
- Phone: +594 594 397 317
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.