The VANGAS-Trial. The Value of Neurofilament Light Chain and Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein in the Blood of Patients With Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis

Launched by HEINRICH-HEINE UNIVERSITY, DUESSELDORF · Jan 8, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The VANGAS-Trial is a research study looking at the value of two proteins found in the blood—neurofilament light chain (NFL) and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP)—in patients who have a condition called asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. This means that these patients have narrowing in their carotid arteries (the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain) but are not experiencing any symptoms. The study aims to understand whether measuring these proteins can help predict the severity of the narrowing, how it might change over time, and whether it could lead to issues in the future.

To participate in this trial, you need to be between 60 and 80 years old and have a certain level of narrowing in your carotid artery. However, if you have conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or have had a stroke in the past year, you won’t be eligible. Participants will have their blood tested for NFL and GFAP levels, which researchers hope will provide valuable information about the condition. This study is important because it could help doctors better understand who might benefit from treatments to prevent strokes in these patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 60- 80 years
• • 0-100 % stenosis of the internal carotid artery
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Neurodegenerative diseases such as any form of dementia or Parkinson\'s disease
• • Polyneuropathy
• • Multiple sclerosis
• • Stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) within the last 12 months
• • Transient ischaemic attack within the last 12 months
• • Neurotrauma within the last 12 months
• • Atrial fibrillation