The children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia buys the NeuroScope™ system for innovative research into the Central Autonomic System Function
- July 23, 2004

The future of Rett syndrome research will be directed towards understanding the underlying pathogenesis of the disorder and the development of specific treatments, ideally prior to the onset of symptoms or early in the evolution of the disorder. It is therefore vitally important to establish objective methods for assessment of the clinical status of patients with Rett syndrome, prior to commencement of clinical trials and to be able to accurately monitor changes over time. The central autonomic nervous system, which controls the activity of the nerves controlling the function of the heart and lungs, has been shown to function abnormally in Rett syndrome subjects. The abnormalities include irregular breathing patterns, extreme agitation with large pupils and flushed face, vacant spells, abnormal brain wave activity, seizures and poor circulation. A relatively new instrument for evaluating the central autonomic nervous system, the NeuroscopeTM can measure and monitor the activity of the central autonomic nervous system. Information derived from the assessment of the autonomic nervous system will provide a valuable tool for monitoring Rett syndrome patients during clinical treatment studies. The main aim of my study is to establish the methods for assessing and monitoring central autonomic nervous system function in Rett syndrome patients.