Williams Syndrome Strength, Hormones, Activity & Adiposity, DNA Programming, Eating Study (NCT03758651) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Williams Syndrome Strength, Hormones, Activity & Adiposity, DNA Programming, Eating Study
United States144 participantsStarted 2018-10-01
Plain-language summary
Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare microdeletion genetic disorder that has a broad phenotype including many endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. Dr. Pober and colleagues at MGH have reported the following findings in adults with WS: abnormal body composition (excess body fat accumulation with a lipedema phenotype), decreased bone mineral density, abnormal glucose tolerance, and reduced lean mass. Despite the high prevalence and potential effect of metabolic abnormalities on the health of persons with WS, their full phenotypic range, potential causal factors (either genetic and/or hormonal) along with their impact on other aspects of health (such as risk of falls and fractures or interaction with emotional behavioral concerns) remain incompletely characterized. The purpose of the current study in a large cohort of subjects with WS is to: collect further information to characterize the timing of onset and distribution of body fat; better characterize hormonal status of WS subjects; and screen for genetic variation using single-nucleotide-polymorphism (SNP) analysis that could elucidate genetic contributors to the lipedema phenotype as well as the other observed metabolic and bone abnormalities.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 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
. Male or Female age 18-70 years old
. Diagnosis of Williams syndrome (WS), established by experienced clinician, parent report, or confirmed by genetic testing such as FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) or chromosomal microarray (WS only)
. Availability of a parent or guardian to review details of the study with their family member with WS and participate in the consent process (all WS regardless of age)
. Availability of a parent or guardian to provide selected medical information (WS only)
Exclusion criteria
. History of weight loss surgery or liposuction
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.
What they're measuring
1
Bone Mineral Density - Lumbar Spine
Timeframe: baseline only
2
Whole Body DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan