First Choice Neurology is launching the HAPPIN Study (Hereditary Amyloid Polyneuropathy Prevalence in Idiopathic Neuropathy). It is the nation’s first research study of the prevalence of hereditary amyloid neuropathy. Doctors at First Choice Neurology will be evaluating a large group of patients with idiopathic neuropathy to determine if they possess a hereditary marker for amyloid neuropathy.
The noninvasive HAPPIN Study involves patients providing a small sample of saliva which is analyzed by a research lab. The saliva test kits are free of charge.
Principal investigator, Dr. Jeffrey Gelblum, explains, “This is a very exciting time in the field of neurology whereby we can harness the information in our large medical database to find those patients who might respond to new disease-modifying therapies.”
The HAPPIN study is expected to conclude within the next 12 months, with findings to be presented at a scientific symposium in 2020.
Hereditary Amyloid Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a common neurologic disorder whereby patients experience numbness, tingling, weakness, unexplained pain of the extremities. Common causes including diabetes, chronic disease, cancer, HIV, and other metabolic disorders. Neuropathy leads to significant pain, weakness and overall functional disability. If it affects the heart or autonomic system, it can also be life-threatening.
Over 50% of the cases are idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. It is thought that a significant percentage of those cases are hereditary and may be due to the deposition of amyloid protein on peripheral nerves. The HAPPIN Study will determine if there is a hereditary marker for amyloid neuropathy.
Most cases of hereditary amyloid neuropathy go undiagnosed and cause significant disability. FDA-approved treatment can now be offered.
Contact Information for the HAPPIN Study
For more information about the HAPPIN Study, contact First Choice Neurology, or the principal investigator Dr. Jeffrey Gelblum, jgelblum@fcneurology.net
Dr. Jeffrey Gelblum
Principal Investigator
Phone: (305) 936-9393
Email: jgelblum@fcneurology.net
FIRST CHOICE RESEARCH CENTER 26
Aventura Medical Tower
2801 NE 213 Street, Suite 1004
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 936-9393