MAP Autism Prediction Study

• Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Developmental Delay
• Interventions: Diagnostic Test: BioROSA MAP test

• Registration Number: NCT04672967
• Lead Sponsor: BioROSA Technologies Inc

Brief Summary

This pilot clinical trial tests the hypothesis that certain blood metabolite levels can be used to predict Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study cohort will consist of 200 participants between the ages 18 and 60 months who have been referred to a developmental pediatric center for clinical evaluation of ASD or other developmental delay. Two selected sites will enroll 75 participants each with another 50 typically developing participants. Participants will receive a physical exam (including a dysmorphology evaluation), ADOS, VABS, MSEL, DSM-5, and M-CHAT assessments, and receive a diagnosis. A fasting blood draw is required, consisting of 2 mL vacutainer tubes (max 4 mL). Sites must process blood according to sponsor requirements (outlined in the Sponsor's Laboratory Manual). Certain metabolite levels in the blood will be used for diagnostic screening test development.

Detailed Description

The primary objective is to conduct a double-blind, proof-of-concept, two-site, prospective study of 200 children aged 18-60 months that have been referred for an ASD evaluation by a physician to assess the feasibility of a blood test that measures a set of blood plasma metabolites and the classification algorithm developed thereof to predict the risk of ASD.

The secondary objective is to collect additional information for sub-classification of participant cohorts including Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) and Mullen Scale of Early Learning (MSEL) as well as any comorbidities that may correlate with blood test scores.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2020-12-11
• Study First Submitted QC: 2020-12-16
• Study First Posted: 2020-12-17
• Status Verified: 2021-11
• Study Start: 2021-11-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2021-11-03
• Last Update Posted: 2021-11-10
• Primary Completion: 2022-05
• Study Completion: 2022-10

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 200

Inclusion Criteria

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

1. 18-60 months of age
2. Primary language is English (this is due to the evaluation instruments being used, which are in the English language).
3. Suspected developmental concern and referral to the developmental center by child's physician
4. Parental informed consent to participate in the study (based on the age range of the children in this study, assent is being waived)
5. Willingness to comply with all study procedures
6. Not currently enrolled in another clinical trial

Exclusion Criteria

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

1. Previous diagnosis of ASD or DD
2. Prematurity < 34 weeks' gestation
3. Has a sibling already enrolled in the trial
4. Profound sensory deficits (e.g., hearing and vision deficits) that could interfere with the interpretation of study results
5. Documented current or active seizures, as defined by a clinical seizure or abnormal EEG within the past six months
6. Major genetic defect as determined by chromosomal microarray or other method of genetic detection
7. Currently taking any high dose (greater than recommended daily allowance) dietary supplements
8. Diagnosis or suspicion of recent viral/bacterial infection within 2 weeks of enrollment
9. Diagnosis with congenital brain malformations, moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, congenital or acquired microcephaly, or infection of the central nervous system (e.g., meningitis, viral encephalitis)
10. Fetal alcohol syndrome, Down syndrome, or another recognized syndrome
11. Usage of acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) within the past 72 hours
12. Fever (temperature > 100 degrees Fahrenheit) within the past 72 hours
13. Any other reason that the clinical investigator feels may place the participant at an unnecessary risk to participate

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Autism Spectrum Disorder	BioROSA MAP test	Children diagnosed with ASD between the ages of 18-60 months
Non-ASD (developmental delay or typically developing)	BioROSA MAP test	Children diagnosed with non-ASD between the ages of 18-60 months

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS)	1 day (At study entry (one time evaluation))	The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is considered a gold-standard instrument for diagnosing and assessing autism with good diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in young children (37). The ADOS consists of a series of structured and semi-structured tasks that involve social interaction between the examiner and the person under assessment. The examiner observes and identifies segments of the subject's behavior and assigns these to predetermined observational categories. Categorized observations are subsequently combined to produce quantitative scores for analysis and diagnostic classification of ASD. Children at or above predetermined cutoff lines are considered to be positive for ASD.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS)	1 day (At study entry (one time evaluation))	Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS). The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) will measure functional abilities within several domains including communication, daily living skills, socialization, and motor skills. The VABS has been used widely in ASD assessments and provides a measure of core symptoms and adaptive function across a wide age range (38). All sections of the VABS up through physical activity "using small muscles" will be completed. Subsequent sections consisting of problem behaviors will not be completed, as these are not needed to obtain an adaptive behavior composite score.
Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL)	1 day (At study entry (one time evaluation))	The Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) is a measure of cognitive functioning for infants and preschool-age children from birth through age 68 months. The MSEL is organized into 5 subscales: (a) gross motor, (b) fine motor, (c) visual reception (or non-verbal problem solving), (d) receptive language, and (e) expressive language. An early learning composite score can be derived from fine motor, visual reception, receptive language, and expressive language scales. For young children this early learning composite score is considered equivalent to a more traditional "IQ" score or a developmental standard score (38). Each subscale is standardized to calculate a standard score, percentile, and age-equivalent score.
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)	1 day (At study entry (one time evaluation))	The M-CHAT is a 23 question (yes/no) parent-completed screening measure for ASD. The M-CHAT is a routinely used level 1 screening instrument for ASD and is recommended for universal screening for ASD at 18- and 24-month well baby visits by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

VUMC; 🇺🇸 Nashville, Tennessee, United States