Integrating Whole Genome Sequencing and Digital Twins Into the Management of Hypercholesterolemia in Emiratis

Launched by ABU DHABI HEALTH SERVICES COMPANY · Jul 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to manage high cholesterol, known as hypercholesterolemia, in Emirati patients. Researchers are looking at how whole genome sequencing (which analyzes a person's complete DNA) and digital twin technology (a virtual model of a patient that helps predict health outcomes) can improve treatment strategies. The goal is to develop guidelines that can be used in larger studies later on and to help incorporate genetic information into everyday healthcare practices.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be Emirati adults aged 18 to 55 who have high levels of LDL cholesterol (often called "bad" cholesterol) in their blood. Specifically, they should have had two or more LDL-C readings above 190 mg/dL in the past year and should not have been on cholesterol-lowering medication for the last three months. Participants should be fluent in either English or Arabic. If you join the study, you will help researchers better understand how to treat high cholesterol in a way that is tailored to individual patients. It's important to note that certain health conditions or medications may disqualify someone from participating.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with 2 or more LDL-C levels greater than 190 mg/dL or 5.0 mmol/L in the past 12 months
• • Undiagnosed patients meeting Possible, Probable or Definitive FH criteria according to Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria (Eur Heart J. 2011 Jul;32(14):1769-818. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehr158. Epub 2011 Jun 28.)
• • Patients who have not been on anti-lipidemic medication in the past 3 months
• • Ages 18-55
• • Emirati national
• • All patients must be fluent in English or Arabic
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • - Patients who do not meet the above criteria
• • Patients with a previous diagnosis of FH
• • Patients with a progressive debilitating illness
• • Patient with untreated hypothyroidism, history of proteinuria, obstructive liver disease, chronic renal failure, human immunodeficiency virus infection, or on immunosuppressant or steroid or psychiatric medications
• • Patients with untreated clinical anxiety or depression (as measured by a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score of ≥ 16 on the depression subscale)
• • Patients who are pregnant