Clinical Trials

Colonoscopic Screening for Autonomic Pathology in Parkinson Disease

Description

Status: Open to Enrollment

Start Date: Sep 01 2010

End Date: OPEN

The purpose of this study is to identify Parkinson's-related changes in nerves lining the intestine that may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of this disabling condition.

Whether or not you have Parkinson's disease, you may be able to contribute to this research if your doctor has determined that you have a medical need for colonoscopy.

Today, Parkinson's disease can only be diagnosed with 100% certainty after death, when an autopsy will show which types of abnormal proteins have collected in the nervous system. Someday, it might be possible to diagnose Parkinson's disease by looking at nerves in the lining of the intestine (during routine colonoscopy performed to screen for cancer). This would allow testing of new treatments (designed to slow or halt nerve cell death) at an earlier stage. Anyone who has been referred to the University of Utah for colonoscopy could be eligible to help with this research. Because comparison between individuals with and without Parkinson's disease is necessary, healthy people without any neurological condition are encouraged to participate.

Principal Investigators

David Shprecher, DO

Co Investigators

John Fang, MD, PhD

Contact Information

Name: Paola
Phone: 801-851-4543
Email: paola.wall@hsc.utah.edu

Please Note:

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Although the studies described on this Web site may have potential benefits as described, the University of Utah and its physicians and affiliated hospitals cannot and do not guarantee or promise that you will receive any benefits from participating in a study.

The information posted on this site is consistent with the research reviewed and approved by the University of Utah Institutional Review Board (IRB). However, the IRB has not reviewed all material posted on this site. Contact the IRB if you have questions regarding your rights as a research participant. Also contact the IRB if you have questions, complaint, or concerns which you do not feel you can discuss with the investigator. The University of Utah IRB may be reached by phone at (801) 581-3655 or by e-mail at irb@hsc.utah.edu.