Clinical Research Directory

High-throughput Omic Technology for Identification of Biomarkers of Relapsing Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in Immune Cell Network

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a neuroinflammatory disorder of the central nervous system, manifesting itself as impaired consciousness, even to the point of coma, and multifocal neurological deficits. ADEM is the most common encephalitis in children. Moreover, 50-65% of ADEM in children is associated with the presence of anti-MOG antibodies (MOGAD). In fact, ADEM is the most frequent clinical presentation of MOGAD in children, 50-75% before the age of 10. The risk of recurrence is higher in pediatric MOGAD of ADEM manifestation, up to 30%, compared to myelitis or optic neuritis. Multiphasic MOGAD are more frequently associated with sequelae in 50-69% of cases, versus 4-32% for monophasic forms. In ADEM, cognitive and epileptic sequelae predominate. The 2020 European consortium and the 2022 national diagnosis and care protocol recommend the introduction of disease-modifying therapies as early as the second attack of the disease, or in the event of distant sequelae, in order to limit relapses and sequelae. However, these treatments take several months to take effect. There is currently no reliable predictive factor for MOGAD recurrence other than the persistence of an elevated blood anti-MOG antibody level (≥1:1280) at 1 year. The aim of this study is therefore to identify biomarkers associated with MOGAD recurrence from the first attack. To this end, we will study the transcriptome of circulating blood mononuclear cells by single-cell next-generation RNA sequencing in children with anti-MOGAD neuroinflammatory relapses. Anticipating the multiphasic trajectory of the disease would enable the introduction of early disease-modifying therapy to prevent recurrences and long-term sequelae. Furthermore, the discovery of a molecular and/or cellular signature would provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of ADEM and MOGAD.

Biobank For MS And Other Demyelinating Diseases

To establish a large, longitudinal collection of high quality samples and data from subjects with MS, selected other demyelinating diseases (Transverse Myelitis (TM), Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) or Devic's, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and Optic Neuritis (ON)), and related and unrelated unaffected controls. Samples and data will be available as a shared resource to scientists researching the causes, sub-types, and biomarkers of MS and related demyelinating diseases.

ADAM'S Prognostic Markers

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that predominantly affects children. It typically presents with an acute onset of multifocal neurological symptoms, often preceded by a viral infection or, less commonly, vaccination. ADEM is characterized radiologically by widespread, bilateral, asymmetric lesions in the brain and spinal cord, and is often monophasic in nature. Despite generally favorable outcomes, a subset of patients may experience significant neurological sequelae, prolonged recovery, or even conversion to chronic demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or multiphasic ADEM. The early identification of patients at risk for poor outcomes remains a clinical challenge, as the course of the disease is highly variable. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are essential components in the diagnostic workup of ADEM. Certain CSF features-such as pleocytosis, elevated protein levels, or the presence of oligoclonal bands-may reflect the underlying immunological activity and CNS inflammation. Similarly, specific MRI characteristics-such as lesion distribution, size, contrast enhancement, or involvement of deep gray matter-may correlate with disease severity and long-term prognosis. The clinical presentation of ADEM is heterogeneous. Common features include encephalopathy (ranging from irritability to coma), seizures, motor deficits, ataxia, visual disturbances, and brainstem symptoms. The severity and combination of these manifestations can vary widely between patients. Several studies suggest that certain clinical features may correlate with poorer prognosis, such as prolonged or deep coma, recurrent seizures, early need for intensive care, and delayed initiation of immunotherapy.

Assessment of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation's Clinical Efficacy in Treating Cognitive Impairment of Idiopathic Inflammatory Demyelinating Diseases

This study aims to explore the imaging and electrophysiological characteristics of idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating diseases (IIDDs), and their correlation with clinical manifestations. It also evaluates the effectiveness of transcranial electrical stimulation in alleviating clinical symptoms of IIDDs patients, and analyzes the key factors affecting the treatment efficacy. By uncovering the overall and individual characteristics of IIDDs, this study seeks to enhance therapeutic outcomes through personalized neuromodulation programs. The findings will provide a basis for applying non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) in IIDDs treatment and offer new ideas for future personalized medicine approaches.

Swiss Pediatric Inflammatory Brain Disease Registry (Swiss-Ped-IBrainD)

The Swiss-Ped-IBrainD is a national patient registry that collects information on diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and follow-up of pediatric patients with an inflammatory brain disease in Switzerland. It was first implemented in 2020 in the pediatric clinic of the university hospital in Bern. Further centers all over Switzerland opened for recruitment after that: Aarau, Basel, Bellinzona, Chur, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Winterthur and Zurich. The center in Fribourg is expected open for recruitment in 2025. The registry provides data for national and international monitoring and research. It supports research on inflammatory brain diseases in Switzerland and the exchange of knowledge between clinicians, researchers, and therapists. The registry aims to improve the treatment of children with inflammatory brain diseases and optimizing their health care and quality of life.

Biomarkers in Autoimmune Disease of Nervous System

Neurological autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders characterized by the abnormal immune response attacking the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. These diseases exhibit high heterogeneity, diverse clinical presentations, and are challenging to diagnose and manage due to a lack of effective treatments. In this study, the investigators will recruit eight kinds of autoimmune diseases of nervous system including Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), Myasthenia Gravis (MG), Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), and multiple sclerosis (MS), autoimmune encephalitis (AE), Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD). Through this study, the investigators aim to discover biomarkers with high sensitivity, specificity, and stability, which can support early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and personalized treatment for neurological autoimmune diseases, thereby improving the quality of life and prognosis for patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Calculus Bovis Sativus (CBS) for Idiopathic Inflammatory Demyelinating Disease (CBSinIIDD)

According to the records of traditional Chinese medicine, CBS has the following functions: clearing the heart, resolving phlegm, promoting bile secretion, and calming the nerves. It can treat fever, coma, delirium, epilepsy, convulsions in children, dental caries, throat swelling, oral sores, carbuncle, and furuncle. The significant pathophysiological process of primary inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (hereinafter referred to as IIDD) is the activation of the immune system of the central nervous system and the enhancement of inflammation. It includes several common diseases: multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-related disease (MOGAD), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), concentric sclerosis, tumor-like inflammatory demyelinating disease, etc. Combined with the inspiration brought to us by the above background research, especially bilirubin and bile acid are closely related to intestinal digestive function, and CBS is clinically effective through oral administration by subjects, the investigators speculate that CBS is likely to exert its immune, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects on the brain by changing the intestinal flora and regulating the brain-gut axis. In terms of symptoms, CBS is likely to have the effect of improving the clinical symptoms of IIDD subjects and reducing disability.

Sun Yat-Sen Cohort of CNS Idiopathic Inflammatory Demyelinating Diseases

The goal of this observational study is to learn about pathogenesis and clinical prognosis of CNS IIDD in the Chinese population and to provide evidence-based clues for clinical treatment decisions. The main questions it aims to answer are: Question 1: Clarify the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of various diseases (MS, NMOSD, MOGAD, etc.) within IIDD in the Chinese population. Question 2: Analyze the relationship between biomarkers and the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of CNS IIDD cases in our hospital. Participants will 1. Receive the recommended diagnosis and treatment plans from current international and national guidelines or expert consensus, without additional special interventions. 2. Receive clinical evaluation, follow-up, and management from dedicated neuroimmunology specialists.

National, Multicentric Registry Study on Neuroimmunological Diseases in China

The aim of this study is to establish a real-world clinical neuroimmune disease research cohort, to follow up and observe the prognosis of patients with different subtypes and subgroups, and to provide support for the treatment, early warning, and outcome prediction research of neuroimmune diseases.

China National Registry of Neuro-Inflammatory Diseases

Central nervous system (CNS) idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating diseases (IDD) are mainly diseases caused by autoimmune factors that result in CNS demyelination damage and loss. It tends to accumulate in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Multiple sclerosis (MS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) are all common IDDs of the CNS. Besides, primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS), autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy (GFAP-A), etc. may also be included because they are important differential diagnoses. This study will establish a large prospective cohort study database of Chinese IDD, which will record detailed electronic information on IDD patients, including demographic and socioeconomic data, medical history, clinical information, medication, and relevant examination results. The long-term observational study will be used to understand the natural history of disease, disability progression rates, imaging and biological indicators, long-term treatment approaches and prognosis of Chinese patients with IDD, to find predictive markers for IDD progression and prognosis, and to identify factors that influence the treatment and prognosis of patients with IDD.