Red Blood Cell Exchange Transfusion as a Novel Treatment for GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome (NCT04137692) | Clinical Trial Compass
SuspendedNot Applicable
Red Blood Cell Exchange Transfusion as a Novel Treatment for GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome
Stopped: PI is transferring institutions.
United States12 participantsStarted 2027-09
Plain-language summary
Pathogenic mutations of the brain glucose transporter type I lead to glucose transporter deficiency syndrome (G1D), which is most often associated with medication-refractory epilepsy and movement dysfunction. At present, G1D is only alleviated by interventions such as the ketogenic diet, which can be poorly tolerated and afford only an incomplete restoration of neural function. A better understanding of G1D can uncover new fundamental aspects of brain function while facilitating the development of new therapies aimed to restore brain metabolism and excitability. We will conduct a mechanistic trial that will utilize a mechanism-testing framework broadly applicable to metabolic interventions. The trial will investigate red blood cell exchange (i.e., the replacement of human G1D circulating red cells, which are deficient in GLUT1) with healthy donor cells as a novel means to augment blood-to-brain glucose transport. The hypothesis is that electroencephalography post treatment will display an increase in beta brain activity. Additional measures of brain activity will also be secondarily tested.
Who can participate
Age range
16 Years – 80 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 16 years to 80 years old.
. Diagnosed with genetically confirmed glucose transporter type 1 disorder
. Patients not currently receiving ketogenic dietary therapy, due to failure of this diet to achieve seizure remission or due to patient preference, including compliance or tolerance issues.
. Subjects must be able to provide informed consent for themselves or have a parent or legally authorized representative (LAR) provide permission if the subject is a minor or lacks capacity to consent.
. Spanish and English speakers will be eligible for participation. Spanish-speaking participants may be enrolled, and the study team is equipped to conduct the consent process in Spanish. The Principal Investigator (PI) is fluent in Spanish and will conduct the consent process in Spanish when applicable.
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
Change from baseline in electroencephalography (EEG) measures during transfusion.
Timeframe: Baseline: During Transfusion
2
Change from baseline in electroencephalography (EEG) measures 60 days after transfusion.
Timeframe: Baseline - 60 Days After Transfusion
Trial details
NCT IDNCT04137692
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University
. IHD-RBCx is determined to be a safe and appropriate procedure for the subject by the transfusion medicine physician based on clinical and laboratory assessment.
Exclusion criteria
. Currently on the ketogenic diet or taking triheptanoin (C7) oil
. No genetic confirmation of G1D diagnosis
. Unable to return for follow up visits
. Weak peripheral veins, such that IV placement is contraindicated (required for transfusion)
. Serious chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, renal failure, liver failure, or any other medical conditions that preclude large volume transfusions.
. Patients currently pregnant or breast-feeding are excluded from participating in this research. Patients who plan on getting pregnant during this research or who are unwilling to use birth control, including abstinence, during the course of this research are also excluded due to safety concerns for the fetus.
. An evaluation by the transfusion physician as to whether IHD-RBCx is a safe option will be part of the screening assessment. If IHD-RBCx is deemed unsafe based on laboratory parameters such as a low red blood cell count, then the subject will not be eligible to participate in this study.