Publications by authors named "Nicolette Cilenti"
Introduction/aims: Traditional exercise is often difficult for individuals with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), and evidence is limited regarding how to measure exercise performance in this population. We evaluated the feasibility, reliability, and natural history of adaptive cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) performance in children and adults with FRDA.
Methods: Participants underwent CPET on either an arm cycle ergometer (ACE) or recumbent leg cycle ergometer (RLCE) at up to four visits (baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 year).
Context: Hypothalamic obesity is a rare, treatment-resistant form of obesity. In preliminary studies, the hypothalamic hormone oxytocin (OXT) has shown promise as a potential weight loss therapy.
Objective: To determine whether 8 weeks of intranasal OXT (vs 8 weeks of placebo) promotes weight loss in children, adolescents, and young adults with hypothalamic obesity.
Article Synopsis
- Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) is associated with lower bone mineral density (aBMD) in both adults and children when compared to healthy controls, indicating a significant risk for impaired bone health.
- The study utilized DXA scans and surveys to analyze aBMD across different age groups and found a correlation between lower aBMD and functional disease severity, especially in adults.
- Despite the high prevalence of low aBMD among individuals with FRDA, screening and treatment opportunities are currently underutilized, suggesting a need for increased awareness and intervention.