Plasmapheresis treatment for ALS patients with specific autoantibodies

Plasmapheresis in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis With Autoantibody Against NRIP

This study is testing if a treatment called plasmapheresis can help ALS patients with certain autoantibodies feel better by removing those antibodies from their blood.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Taipei)
• Trial ID: NCT05562960 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of plasmapheresis on patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who have elevated levels of anti-NRIP autoantibodies. The study aims to determine if removing these autoantibodies through plasmapheresis can provide clinical benefits to this specific subgroup of ALS patients. Participants will undergo the plasmapheresis intervention and will be monitored through serial examinations and follow-ups to assess outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 20 years old diagnosed with ALS who have detectable levels of anti-NRIP autoantibodies.

Not a fit: Patients without anti-NRIP autoantibodies or those with advanced ALS requiring permanent ventilator support may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could improve the condition of ALS patients with anti-NRIP autoantibodies by potentially slowing disease progression.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of ALS and anti-NRIP autoantibodies, similar interventions in other autoimmune conditions have shown promise.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age more than 20 years and having plasma anti-NRIP autoantibody.
2. Agree to receive plasmapheresis intervention.
3. Agree to participate in the trial and receive serial examinations and follow up.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients without plasma anti-NRIP autoantibody.
2. Patients requiring permanent ventilator support for ALS progression.
3. Not able to receive plasmapheresis or trial-related examinations.
4. Under pregnancy.
5. Blood fibrinogen level less than 50 mg/dl.
6. Specific ALS subtypes, including primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, flail arm syndrome, or flail leg syndrome.

Where this trial is running

Taipei

• National Taiwan University Hospital — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Li-Kai Tsai, MD, PhD — National Taiwan University Hospital
• Study coordinator: Li-Kai Tsai, MD, PhD

Conditions Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Plasmapheresis