To investigate plasticity in the visual cortex in NF1 patients, we will compare the VEPs evoked by checkerboard reversals at baseline and after a modulation block at T1, T2 and T3 of NF1 patients with those of controls.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Neurological disorders congenital
- Cognitive and attention disorders and disturbances
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Plasticity as measured by the change in VEP peak amplitudes at T1, T2 and T3
after a modulation block of 10 minutes checkerboard reversals compared to the
baseline measurements.
Secondary outcome
- VEPs parameters, such as latency and peak amplitudes of P100, at baseline
measurements of patients and controls.
- Parameters of visual information processing, such as reaction time, accuracy
and speed of the eye movements, using a remote eye tracker
- Relationships between cortical plasticity as measured by an increase in VEP
peak amplitudes over time, and the parameters of visual information processing.
Background summary
NF1 is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder and is characterized by a wide
variability in clinical manifestations. Many patients with Neurofibromatosis
type 1 (NF1) suffer from cognitive deficits that can affect their quality of
life. Based on studies in NF1 mice, it is hypothesized that the underlying
cause of these cognitive disabilities results from increased neuronal
inhibition that affects synaptic plasticity. Synaptic plasticity is essential
for learning and memory. Whether changes in neuronal plasticity are also
underlying the cognitive deficits in NF1 patients is unknown. Recently,
cortical plasticity in humans has been investigated using
Electroencephalography (EEG) by studying Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) in
response to visual stimulation measured from the visual cortex. To investigate
the role of cortical plasticity in the cognitive deficits in adults with NF1,
we will measure VEPs in NF1 patients and controls.
Study objective
To investigate plasticity in the visual cortex in NF1 patients, we will compare
the VEPs evoked by checkerboard reversals at baseline and after a modulation
block at T1, T2 and T3 of NF1 patients with those of controls.
Study design
Observational case-control study
Study burden and risks
The total time investment for participants will be ±3 hours. The burden of the
VEP recording and the visual presentation of checkerboard reversals is
considered to be low, with no side effects. The eye-tracking procedure also has
no side-effects and is not experienced as unpleasant. Participants will be
reimbursed with ¤75 and compensated for travel and parking expenses. There are
no benefits from this study for the participants, except for the reimbursement.
Since this study is aimed at studying an NF1 specific neuronal dysfunction,
solely testing healthy volunteers cannot give us further insights.
Additionally, the study might contribute to reliable neurophysiological outcome
measures in treatment intervention studies.
Dr. Molewaterplein 40
Rotterdam 3015 GD
NL
Dr. Molewaterplein 40
Rotterdam 3015 GD
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
- Age; between 18-55 years at inclusion
- Being capable of providing written informed consent
- Ability to understand the Dutch language
- Healthy (no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders)
- NF1 patients with a genetically or clinically confirmed diagnosis
Exclusion criteria
- Use of psychoactive agents
- History of or current presence of neurological or psychiatric disorders
(excluding a history of attention deficit disorder or autism for the NF1
patients)
- Other neurological illness influencing the functioning of the central nervous
system or visual tract involved in the VEP recordings.
- Neurological illness of the peripheral nervous system involving the sensory
or visual function of the eyes.
- Segmental NF1
- Severe visual problems or blindness
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL72409.078.19 |