Prenatal Dex Study (NCT02795871) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Prenatal Dex Study
France354 participantsStarted 2016-10-04
Plain-language summary
The classic form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (prevalence 1/15,000) is the most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This autosomic recessive disease is responsible for virilization of the external genitalia in girls through androgen hypersecretion during fetal life. Since 1984, the Lyon Pediatric Endocrinology group has proposed prenatal dexamethasone (DEX) for all fetuses at risk of CAH With the aim of preventing fetal androgen hypersecretion in affected girls and avoiding poor long-term results from reconstructive surgery. Prenatal DEX was used in Europe and the USA but its use was recently suspended: in 2007, a Swedish study conducted on 26 children treated with DEX in utero for a short period of time reported cognitive impairments. These data were not confirmed by an American study on the short-term DEX use, which showed potential cognitive impairments in CAH children exposed to DEX for long periods of time. These confusing and controversial results have caused the scientific community to question its position and have resulted in the suspension of the use of prenatal DEX with drastic consequences for CAH girls (virilization; genital surgery etc.). In this context, an evaluation of neuropsychological development under in utero DEX is essential to validate its indication for use during the prenatal period. This study will evaluate outcomes using prospective cognitive and emotional assessments. It will first focus on the unaffected children previously treated in utero in order to assess the adverse effects of the drug. The study will then assess the children with CAH for whom DEX could have beneficial effects.
Who can participate
Age range
6 Years – 15 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.
Inclusion Criteria:
Groups D+1, D+2, D-1 and D-2
* Male or female
* Patient with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia or sibling of a CAH patient
* Age: 6 to 15 years (at the time of inclusion)
* The subject's legal representatives have understood the information note/informed consent form, obtained answers to all their questions and have given signed, written, informed consent
* Subject with health insurance
Group D-3 (Schoolchildren)
* Male or female
* With no connection with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
* Age: 6 to 15 years (at the time of inclusion)
* The subject's legal representatives have understood the information note/informed consent form, obtained answers to all their questions and have given signed, written, informed consent
* Subject with health insurance
Exclusion Criteria:
For all groups :
* Patient/Subject with another genetic disease
* Patient/Subject with known neuropsychology disease(s)
* Patient/Subject whose mother has received another treatment during her pregnancy with possible known adverse events on the neuropsychological development of the child
Questions worth asking your doctor
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.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
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.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.