Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) to Improve Cognitive Performance in Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Children (Neuro-SAF)

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) to Improve Cognitive Performance in Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Children

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) as Therapeutic Tool to Improve Cognitive Performance in Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Children

The flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a modulator of neuronal plasticity useful in other neurodevelopmental diseases. A recent study showed that EGCG is a promising tool for cognitive and health related quality of life improvement in Down's syndrome. The objective is to determine the efficacy of EGCG as a therapeutic candidate for the improvement of cognitive performance in FAS patients. Pre and post study, non randomized, controlled and without placebo, to evaluate the efficacy of EGCG. It is a pilot study in a cohort of 40 FAS children, between 7 ans 14 years old. An oral dose of 9 mg/Kg/day will be administered during 1 year, with 6 control visits until 6 months after finishing the treatment.

Background 1% of children present a prenatal alcohol exposure related disorder. Prevalence of consumption increases every year. In a previous study in Barcelona, 45.5% of ethanol positive meconiums were detected, as a biomarker of maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. The most serious clinical picture including facial, mental and cognitive disorders is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Spain is the second country in adoptions from East Europe, where the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is most important. The only prevention of FAS is avoiding consumption of alcohol during pregnancy and there is no treatment for its deleterious effects on neurodevelopment. The flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a modulator of neuronal plasticity useful in other neurodevelopmental diseases. A recent study showed that EGCG is a promising tool for cognitive and health related quality of life improvement in Down's syndrome. Objective To determine the efficacy of EGCG as a therapeutic candidate for the improvement of cognitive performance in FAS patients. Methodology Pre and post study, non randomized, controlled and without placebo, to evaluate the efficacy of EGCG. It is a pilot study in a cohort of 40 FAS children, between 7 ans 14 years old. An oral dose of 9 mg/Kg/day will be administered during 1 year, with 6 control visits until 6 months after finishing the treatment. Instrumentalization Cognitive and neuropsychologic diagnostic scales of FAS Determination of values of oxidative stress Determination of control biomarkers of the treatment

Intervention: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) administered FAS children: An oral dose of 9 mg/Kg/day of EGCG will be administered during 1 year, with 6 control visits until 6 months after finishing the treatment

Pre and post study, non randomized, controlled and without placebo, to evaluate the efficacy of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It is a pilot study in a cohort of 40 FAS children, between 7 ans 14 years old. An oral dose of 9 mg/Kg/day will be administered during 1 year, with 6 control visits until 6 months after finishing the treatment.

Inclusion Criteria: FAS diagnosed children between 7 and 14 y.o. Included in a previous cohort (ALMAR) Informed consent by parents Exclusion Criteria: Refuse of parents to participate Unfulfillment of inclusion criteria Any condition in children preventing from FAS diagnostics tests application

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Joya X, Garcia-Algar O, Salat-Batlle J, Pujades C, Vall O. Advances in the development of novel antioxidant therapies as an approach for fetal alcohol syndrome prevention. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2015 Mar;103(3):163-77. doi: 10.1002/bdra.23290. Epub 2014 Aug 18.

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