Using nasal brushing to diagnose telomere diseases
Nasal Brushing for the Diagnosis and Understanding of Telomeropathies
NA · Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT05508321
This study is testing if using a nasal brush can help doctors diagnose telomere diseases more easily than traditional blood tests or skin biopsies.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Bruxelles, Woluwé-Saint-Lambert) |
| Trial ID | NCT05508321 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nasal brushing as a non-invasive method for diagnosing telomeropathies, which are conditions related to telomere shortening. Currently, diagnosis relies on blood samples and invasive skin biopsies, but nasal epithelial cells may provide a less invasive alternative. The study will compare nasal brushing results from patients suspected of having telomeropathies to those of healthy controls, assessing cellular alterations and mutations. Additionally, the study will explore the relationship between telomeropathies and olfactory function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a suspicion of or confirmed telomeropathy.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders affecting olfactory function or those with chronic rhinosinusitis may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this method could provide a non-invasive tool for diagnosing telomeropathies, improving patient comfort and accessibility to diagnosis.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using nasal brushing for this purpose is novel, similar non-invasive techniques have shown promise in other diagnostic contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients : Having a suspicion of or a confirmed telomeropathy Exclusion Criteria: Patients and controls:No access to the olfactory cleft Patients and controls: Abnormal endoscopic finding (i.e. meningocele, vascular ectasia) Specific exclusion criteria for smell assessment (outcome 3): Patients and controls: History of neurological or psychiatric disorder known to interfere with olfactory function or olfactory trouble (postinfectious, posttraumatic, toxic) Patients and controls: History of chronic rhinosinusitis
Where this trial is running
Bruxelles, Woluwé-Saint-Lambert
- Clinique Universitaires Saint-Luc — Bruxelles, Woluwé-Saint-Lambert, Belgium (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Caroline Huart, MD, PhD — Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain
- Study coordinator: Caroline Huart, MD, PhD
- Email: caroline.huart@saintluc.uclouvain.be
- Phone: +3227646005
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.
Conditions: Telomere Disease, Telomere Shortening, telomere, cellular senescence, smell