Exposure to Neurotoxins as Risk Factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Neurology, Neurology, Neurology, ALS |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Neurology, Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | Any |
| Updated: | 4/21/2016 |
| Start Date: | August 2002 |
| End Date: | April 2008 |
Ascertainment of Death in ALS Patients
This study is a follow-up to an earlier study that examined the relationship of This study
will examine whether exposure to neurotoxins, such as lead, mercury, solvents, and
pesticides, can contribute to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou
Gehrig's disease. The cause of this degenerative disease of the brain and spinal cord is not
well understood. Some studies suggest that exposure to environmental neurotoxins may
increase its risk. This follow-up study will examine the relationship of neurotoxin exposure
to the interval between the diagnosis of ALS and death. It will also examine the possible
roles of genetics, lifestyle and dietary factors in the disease. Information on ALS patients
previously enrolled in the study will be used to examine this relationship. No new
individuals will be enrolled in the study.
will examine whether exposure to neurotoxins, such as lead, mercury, solvents, and
pesticides, can contribute to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou
Gehrig's disease. The cause of this degenerative disease of the brain and spinal cord is not
well understood. Some studies suggest that exposure to environmental neurotoxins may
increase its risk. This follow-up study will examine the relationship of neurotoxin exposure
to the interval between the diagnosis of ALS and death. It will also examine the possible
roles of genetics, lifestyle and dietary factors in the disease. Information on ALS patients
previously enrolled in the study will be used to examine this relationship. No new
individuals will be enrolled in the study.
Objective: The objective of this proposal is linkage with the National Death Index (NDI) for
cases from a study that was conducted in the early 1990's. The purpose of the initial study
was to examine the role that lead and other exposures, including mercury and solvents, play
in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Study population: The study involved 110 ALS cases and 256 population based controls,
recruited in New England between 1993 and 1996. Data collection involved an interview, blood
collection, and measurement of bone lead using x-ray fluorescence.
Design and outcome parameters: The results of this study suggested that lead exposure was a
risk factor for ALS. Compared to controls, cases were more likely to have occupational lead
exposure, and both blood and bone lead levels were higher in cases. We are presently
analyzing data on other neurotoxic exposures including mercury, solvents, and pesticides. In
order to investigate prognosis, we would like to determine the date of death by searching
the National Death Index. This information will enable us to evaluate the relationship of
neurotoxic exposures to ALS prognosis.
cases from a study that was conducted in the early 1990's. The purpose of the initial study
was to examine the role that lead and other exposures, including mercury and solvents, play
in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Study population: The study involved 110 ALS cases and 256 population based controls,
recruited in New England between 1993 and 1996. Data collection involved an interview, blood
collection, and measurement of bone lead using x-ray fluorescence.
Design and outcome parameters: The results of this study suggested that lead exposure was a
risk factor for ALS. Compared to controls, cases were more likely to have occupational lead
exposure, and both blood and bone lead levels were higher in cases. We are presently
analyzing data on other neurotoxic exposures including mercury, solvents, and pesticides. In
order to investigate prognosis, we would like to determine the date of death by searching
the National Death Index. This information will enable us to evaluate the relationship of
neurotoxic exposures to ALS prognosis.
- INCLUSION CRITERIA:
The purpose of the NDI search will be to verify death and obtain date and cause of death
information for the study participants.
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