CompletedNot Applicable

McArdle Disease Treatment by Ketogenic Diet

Italy16 participantsStarted 2019-03-25

Plain-language summary

McArdle's disease or Glycogen storage disease type 5 (GSD5), the most common muscle glycogenosis, is a rare disabling condition with no effective treatment. There are indications that a special dietary regimen could positively influence the disease manifestations. After contradictory indications for protein rich vs carbohydrate rich diets, several preliminary studies and more and more patients own experiences are now pointing to a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) as possibly effective in improving exercise tolerance and reducing muscle damage. The investigators propose a multicentre randomized single blind controlled trial testing efficacy of an individualized LCKD in GSD5. The investigators will test the ability of a 6 months dietary regimen with a 3:1 LCKD inducing a BOHB blood concentration of 1.5-4 mmol/l to improve the aerobic capacity as measured by peak VO2 at exercise testing in GSD5 patients. Thirty molecularly defined MCA adults will be enrolled: to half of them randomly selected the dietary regimen will be prescribed, while subjects in the control group will follow their usual balanced diet. The evaluators will be blinded to the diet followed by the examined patient

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * molecularly defined Glycogen storage disease type 5, ability to perform a cycle ergometer exercise test Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy, * medical condition preventing a LCKD regimen (CPT2 or acyl-CoA deficiency, liver heart or kidney failure, unstable diabetes).

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

Change in maximal (peak) oxidative capacity (VO2max)

Timeframe: six months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04292938

SponsorIRCCS Eugenio Medea

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-12-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Glycogen Storage Disease trials