Understanding metabolic changes in children with ROHHAD syndrome

Whole Transcriptome Profiling and Metabolic Phenotyping in Children With ROHHAD Syndrome

Columbia University · NCT02602769

This study is trying to understand the metabolic changes in children with ROHHAD syndrome to see how it affects their weight and overall health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 20 Years
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University (other)
Locations2 sites (Boston, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02602769 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the metabolic phenotype of children diagnosed with Rapid onset Obesity, Hypoventilation, Hypothalamic dysfunction, and Autonomic Dysregulation (ROHHAD) syndrome. Researchers will generate patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to derive hypothalamic neurons and perform whole transcriptome profiling to identify transcriptional changes associated with the syndrome. By comparing these profiles with those of unaffected relatives and reference datasets, the study seeks to uncover the metabolic disturbances leading to rapid onset obesity in affected children. Selected participants may also undergo detailed metabolic phenotyping to further elucidate these changes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children diagnosed with ROHHAD syndrome.

Not a fit: Children with known genetic causes of obesity are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a better understanding of the metabolic mechanisms behind ROHHAD syndrome, potentially guiding future treatments.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited information on similar studies specifically targeting ROHHAD syndrome, the approach of using iPSC-derived neurons for metabolic profiling has shown promise in other conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children with ROHHAD syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children with known genetic causes of obesity

Where this trial is running

Boston, New York and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Childhood Obesity, Morbid Obesity, Hypoventilation syndrome, Hypothalamic dysfunction, Autonomic dysregulation, Rapid onsey obesity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.