Understanding genetic causes of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiencies

Natural History and Advanced Genetic Study of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiencies (North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortium, Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network, Project 7413)

Observational University of Pittsburgh · NCT03056794

This study is trying to find out the genetic causes of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency by gathering information from people with the condition to help improve understanding and treatment options.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT03056794 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on individuals with pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD) to explore the genetic underpinnings, symptoms, and treatment outcomes associated with this condition. Participants will complete questionnaires about their medical history and experiences, and researchers will review medical records and may conduct advanced genetic testing. The study aims to enhance a database within the North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortium, collecting data over five years from approximately 75 confirmed PDCD patients. The research seeks to identify genetic mutations in patients who currently lack a known mutation in key PDC-related genes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with confirmed pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency and their first or second degree relatives.

Not a fit: Patients with another chronic neurological disease unrelated to PDC deficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and potential new treatment options for patients with pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiencies.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on mitochondrial diseases, this specific approach focusing on PDCD and advanced genetic analysis is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Low PDC activity in skin fibroblasts, blood lymphocytes or a muscle biopsy, below the reference range, and with valid internal controls to establish sample and assay integrity, and have had PDHA1 testing, and/or
2. A known pathogenic mutation of a gene associated with PDC deficiency.

Relative Subjects Inclusion Criteria:

1\. First or second degree relative of a primary subject for whom genetic testing indicates the presence of variants of unknown significance (VUS).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Another chronic neurological disease (mitochondrial or non-mitochondrial) which is not considered likely to be related to PDC deficiency.
2. Inadequacy of needed blood or tissue sample and unwillingness or inability to submit such a sample.
3. Unwillingness to participate in the NAMDC Patient Data Registry and Biorepository protocol.

Relative Subjects Exclusion Criteria:

1\. Inadequacy of needed blood sample and unwillingness or inability to submit such a sample.

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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 Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency Diseasepyruvatepyruvate dehydrogenasePDCPDCD
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.