Validating Innovative Biosensors for Rett Autonomic Symptom Tracking

Clinical trials in Rett syndrome typically use subjective assessment scales to assess changes in symptoms. These scales require observer interpretation and can be subject to bias and placebo effect. They are often not fit for purpose, are adapted from other disorders, are not properly validated for use in Rett and therefore are not optimal tools to accurately and reliably assess symptom change.

The VIBRANT study aims to validate biosensors to objectively and directly measure symptoms in Rett syndrome and create confidence in these devices for use in clinical trials. VIBRANT will use several biosensors to collect symptom data from patients with Rett syndrome over 9 weeks. The devices under study include the FDA-cleared VV330 ECG patch for heart rate, Kids O2 pulse oximeter ring for blood oxygen levels; and the non-wearable device Emerald for sleep, breathing, and movement.

To be eligible, participants will have an MECP2 genetic variant considered causative for the disorder. Participants will come to the clinic for Screening for an eligibility assessment and will learn to use the biosensors. Participants will use the biosensors on an intermittent schedule at home for between approximately 4 to 9 weeks, depending on the device, and will come to the clinic for 1 overnight sleep study during the 9-week observation period. All devices will be used during the overnight sleep study. The data collected by the biosensors will be compared to the data collected from the overnight sleep study to demonstrate how well they work in individuals with Rett syndrome. A cohort of up to 10 participants receiving an intervention in a separate clinical trial may also enroll and participate on a custom device schedule for up to 1 year.

The goals of the study are to demonstrate FDA-cleared devices to assess heart rate, breathing, and oxygen saturation can be reliably used in Rett individuals, both adult and pediatric; determine how accurate and reliable the biosensor results are compared to the overnight sleep study, or to other FDA-cleared devices at home; to and to develop Emerald's ability to assess movement.