Improving the diagnosis and management of gluten ataxia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving the diagnosis and management of gluten ataxia
IRAS ID
332732
Contact name
Marios Hadjivassiliou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
STH21144, STH Number
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
The project proposed is collaborative work between the Sheffield Ataxia Centre and 4 other neurologists across England that care for patients with idiopathic sporadic ataxia (ISA). Ataxia is a neurological disorder with symptoms that can include difficulty with balance, incoordination of legs and arms and also slurred speech. Idiopathic means that the cause is unknown. This work would test participants with ISA for gluten sensitivity using blood tests that are readily available on a clinical basis in Sheffield but not at the other centres. Those who have a positive test for gluten sensitivity will be invited to attend on a separate date for gastroscopy and duodenal biopsy and brain imaging which is the normal clinical practice, after which a referral to the local dietetic services will be made. These individuals will be given advice of a gluten free diet. Patients will be followed up a year later for clinical evaluation for repeat testing after one year on strict GFD. Samples will also be taken from healthy controls.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0025
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion