Charcot-Marie-Tooth

In recent years, knowledge of neuromuscular diseases has advanced considerably, and new therapeutic avenues are beginning to emerge. The proliferation of clinical trials has created a need to identify biomarkers that are both sensitive to changes and specific to the disease. Current gait tests only consider the time factor and not the evolution of the patient's biomechanics, which may prove insufficient for patients whose symptoms generally progress slowly. Quantifying gait parameters in neuromuscular patients therefore appears necessary. This is why we propose to study markerless gait analysis in this population, which would allow for simple and effective monitoring of kinematic parameters without resorting to complex equipment incompatible with routine clinical practice.

The project aims to perform both conventional nerve-conduction studies and axonal-excitability assessments using the TRONDF protocol in patients with selected forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, with comparison to individuals affected by dysimmune, acquired neuropathies, specifically chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and anti-MAG-neuropathy. The study further includes the analysis of nerve fibers obtained from skin biopsy in patients with CMT, as well as ultrasound evaluation of nerves (from the wrist to the axilla) and of intrinsic hand muscles. Axonal-excitability techniques involve the delivery of two electrical stimuli to the nerve under investigation; both stimuli vary in intensity, whereas only the first, known as the conditioning stimulus, varies in duration. Changes in response amplitude are then measured as these stimulation parameters are systematically adjusted. Some preliminary studies have already suggested the effectiveness of this method in distinguishing CMT1A from certain forms of acquired demyelinating disease, including acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) and CIDP. Despite the promising results, only a limited number of studies have so far been conducted in humans and mice, and no comprehensive and systematic study has yet been carried out describing the changes in axonal excitability in the various CMT subtypes, either in humans or in mouse models.

The Myelin Disorders Biorepository Project (MDBP) seeks to collect and analyze clinical data and biological samples from leukodystrophy patients worldwide to support ongoing and future research projects. The MDBP is one of the world's largest leukodystrophy biorepositories, having enrolled nearly 2,000 affected individuals since it was launched over a decade ago. Researchers working in the biorepository hope to use these materials to uncover new genetic etiologies for various leukodystrophies, develop biomarkers for use in future clinical trials, and better understand the natural history of these disorders. The knowledge gained from these efforts may help improve the diagnostic tools and treatment options available to patients in the future.

The objective of the ActiLiège Next study is to collect longitudinal data from patients and control subjects using a wearable magneto-inertial device. By collecting natural history data in various neuromuscular disorders (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Fascioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, Myotonic Dystrophy 1, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Centronuclear Myopathy, Congenital Muscular Dystrophy), we aim to validate digital outcome measures to continuously assess motor function in real-life.

The project aims to investigate the validity, and reliability of outcome measures of muscle strength, functioning (gait, balance, and fine motor skills), physical activity, and patient-reported outcome measures of functioning (gait, balance, and fine motor skills), and daily living among patients with polyneuropathy. Further, the project aims to compare physical activity and patient-reported outcome measures of functioning (gait, balance, and fine motor skills), and daily living among patients with polyneuropathy with physical activity and patient-reported outcome measures of functioning (gait, balance, and fine motor skills) and daily living in healthy adults.

The goal of this Natural History Study for Charcot-Marie-Tooth is to acquire, record, and analyze patient-reported data and associated genetic reports, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and clinical notes to identify the burden, diagnostic journey, and prevalence of disease that will aid scientists in their work toward finding a cure. Participants will be asked to complete a Natural History Survey.