Exploring Sympathetic Nervous System Function in Individuals With Down Syndrome (NCT07238465)
Dysautonomia InVestigation in Individuals With Down SyndromE: DIVE Study
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Down syndrome (DS), the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, is associated with widespread organ dysfunction, including abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS regulates critical functions such as heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP), both essential for maintaining homeostasis and supporting physical activity. Individuals with DS often exhibit blunted HR responses to exercise-typically \~30 beats per minute below expected levels-suggesting reduced sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. The SNS governs rapid changes in HR and BP during stress by releasing catecholamines: epinephrine (from the adrenal medulla) and norepinephrine (from sympathetic nerve endings). Despite its importance, SNS function has not been comprehensively assessed among individuals with DS. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by evaluating SNS responses to physiological stressors in individuals with DS. The investigators will measure beat-to-beat HR and BP, along with plasma catecholamine levels, in response to sympathetic activation, comparing individuals with DS to age- and sex-matched controls. Understanding the mechanisms of SNS dysfunction in DS is vital, as it likely underlies reduced exercise capacity and contributes to broader clinical challenges. These insights may guide targeted interventions to improve cardiovascular function, physical capacity, and overall quality of life in this understudied population.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus — Aurora, Colorado
Age range: 18 Years to 50 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Fear Response (OTHER)
- Cold Stress (OTHER)
- Pain Response (OTHER)
- Caffeine (OTHER)
- 12-Hour Fast (OTHER)
- Maximal Dynamic Exercise (OTHER)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus — Aurora, Colorado
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (303) 724-0598
Email: sara.r.sherman@cuanschutz.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Down Syndrome
- Evaluating Treatment of ADHD in Children With Down Syndrome — Sacramento, California
- Effects of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation on Cognition and Language in Down Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea — Atlanta, Georgia
- Using Personal Mobile Technology to Identify Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children With Down Syndrome (UPLOAD) — Ottawa, Ontario
- Executive Function Play Opportunities for Children With Down Syndrome — Fort Collins, Colorado
- Escalating Doses of Memantine in Down Syndrome (MEDS-123) — Cleveland, Ohio
- Natural History of Dysregulation and Aging of the Immune System in People With Trisomy 21 With and Without Thymectomy — Bethesda, Maryland
Explore by condition: All Down Syndrome clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.