The purpose of this study is to determine whether supplementation with an oil-based cholesterol suspension will correct the biochemical abnormalities in cholesterol and its precursors in individuals with the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.
This study involves treating individuals with the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, a rare inborn error of cholesterol metabolism, with supplemental cholesterol to determine it effects on biochemical sterol metabolites, growth, neuropsychological development, ophthalmologic and auditory function, ERG (electroretinogram) parameters, and CNS metabolites as determined by brain MRS-imaging. Safety of the supplemental cholesterol suspension is monitored by tests of hematologic, renal, and liver function at periodic intervals. There is also a substudy that is investigating potential genotype-phenotype correlations, as well as another that studies biochemical parameters of light sensitivity in cultured skin fibroblasts from affected patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
23
200 mg/mL suspension of crystalline cholesterol in oil. Dosage (generally 75-300 mg/kg/day in divided doses) is based on initial cholesterol levels and regulated to increase, yet maintain, cholesterol levels no higher than normal ranges.
Children's Hospital Boston
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Number of Responders
Responders was defined as an increase in total serum cholesterol and a decrease in 7-DHC (7-Dehydrocholesterol), and 8-DHC (8-Dehydrocholesterol) were measured on all participants.
Time frame: Every 3-6 months for an approximate median of 5 years
Number of Growth Responders
Growth response was defined as an increase in general health, growth, and behavior.
Time frame: Every 3-6 months for an approximate median of 5 years
Number of Participants With Improved Neuropsychological Development
Improved neuropsychological development is defined as progressively achieving developmental milestones
Time frame: Every 3-6 months for an approximate median of 5 years
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