'Spinal lipoma' is a condition, present from before birth, in which fatty tissue (lipoma) is attached to the lower end of the spinal cord, tethering it within the vertebral canal. The cord normally moves up and down with respiration, whereas tethering prevents this movement, and can lead to progressive neurological deterioration. The cord and spinal nerves become stretched and their blood supply is damaged irreversibly. Disability may include weakness or pain in the lower body, and urinary disorders in young children. Treatment is surgical, to remove the lipoma and mobilise the spinal cord, with 60 such operations performed per year at Great Ormond Street Hospital. This project aims to develop lipidomic biomarkers in order to predict which children with spinal lipoma are at highest risk of neurological deterioration, and require early surgery, while providing evidence to adopt a more conservative approach for those at lower risk.
Age range
1 Year – 16 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Lipid signature within blood or urine samples of patients with symptomatic spinal lipomas
Timeframe: 2 years