Examining facial features in boys with creatine transporter deficiency

Characterization of Dysmorphology in Subjects With Creatine Transporter Deficiency

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT05600946

This study looks at photos of boys and young men with creatine transporter deficiency to see if they share certain facial features that could help doctors diagnose the condition more accurately.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment19 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 40 Years
SexMale
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05600946 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate photographs of male subjects aged 2 to 40 years with creatine transporter deficiency (CTD) to identify common craniofacial features associated with the condition. The study involves collaboration with an expert in dysmorphology who will analyze the images to determine if specific dysmorphic traits are present in this population. By characterizing these features, the study seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy for CTD, which can often be confused with other disorders such as autism. Participants must have a confirmed genetic mutation in the SLC6A8 gene and provide informed consent.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are males aged 2 to 40 years who have a confirmed genetic mutation in the SLC6A8 gene and are enrolled in the Creatine Natural History Study.

Not a fit: Patients who have experienced status epilepticus within the last three months or have severe seizure disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods for creatine transporter deficiency, aiding in earlier and more accurate identification of affected individuals.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is focused on dysmorphology in CTD, similar studies have shown success in identifying facial features associated with other genetic disorders, suggesting potential for meaningful findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

  1. Patient is male and between 2-40 years of age, inclusive.
  2. Patient has genomic confirmation of a pathologic mutation in the SLC6A8 gene.
  3. Patient is able to complete study-related procedures within limitations imposed by condition under study.
  4. Patients parents/guardians/caregivers must provide written consent (informed consent) to study-related procedures, and if appropriate, the patient will provide an assent.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

1. Patient has had status epilepticus within 3 months of screening.
2. Patients has had a seizure that lasts 5 minutes or longer, and a second seizure without recovering consciousness from the first one, or if a person has repeated seizures for 30 minutes or longer.
3. Patient is unable to comply with the study procedures or has a clinical disease or laboratory abnormality that in the opinion of the investigator would potentially increase the risk of participation.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cognitive DisorderMetabolic DiseaseAutism Spectrum DisorderDevelopmental DelayChildrenNatural History
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.