Neurofilament Light- Chain in Ataxia Telangiectasia
Ataxia TelangiectasiaAtaxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, immunodeficiency, chromosomal instability, and cancer susceptibility. Currently there are no curative therapy options. The clinical presentation of the disease has a wide variety is linked to the proven mutation, immunological status and residual ATM kinase activity. Apart from these prognostic markers, hardly any biomarker to predict disease course is available. Aim of the present proposal is to evaluate serum concentrations of neurofilament - light chain in the serum of whole blood as biomarker of neurodegeneration prospectively. In addition to that, the investigators will examine the evolution of neurofilament - light chain longitudinally by blood samples from our biobank as well as the concentration of neurofilament - light chain in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of affected A-T patients from our biobank. As in other neurodegenerative disorders and ataxias, the investigators expect that neurofilament- light chain levels are increased in the A-T cohort and correlated to the neurological status of A-T patients evaluated by means of AT-score.
The Validity of Forced Expiratory Maneuvers in Ataxia Telangiectasia Studied Longitudinally
Ataxia TelangiectasiaRationale: Forced spirometry maneuvers are not routinely performed in patients with Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T), even though they suffer from respiratory illnesses. Objectives: To study the feasibility and validity of forced spirometry in A-T patients. Methods: Patients will perform spirometry during clinical visits. Parameters studied will be technical quality, relation to predicted values, age, pulmonary illness, body mass index, mutational status and mutation.