PARTICPIPANTS NEEDED
FOR PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME RESEARCH

Dr. Andrea Haqq (a Pediatric Endocrinologist at the University of Alberta) is recruiting children with PWS 5-17 years of age for three research studies. Children 5-17 years of age without PWS are also being recruited for all studies.

Study One: The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a specific type of meal (such as high protein-low fat or high protein-low carbohydrate) that would promote satiety in children with PWS. This study involves coming to the University of Alberta (in Edmonton) for three visits (each visit separated by 2 weeks).

Study Two: Dr. Haqq’s recent research has shown that children with PWS have lower levels of a peptide that is involved in neurological development (called brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF). The purpose of this study is to determine if the level of BDNF in blood is associated with eating behaviors and cognitive function in children with PWS. This study involves coming to the University of Alberta for one day. Study Two is funded by FPWR.

Study Three: The purpose of this study is to examine if autonomic nervous system function, the distribution of body fat, and level of hormones in blood is different in children with PWS. This study involves coming to the University of Alberta for two days.

For more information about these studies contact Dr. Haqq’s research coordinator Michelle Mackenzie at (708) 248-5481 or michelle.mackenzie@ualberta.ca