Vascular Function in Adults With Down Syndrome Study

This study is looking at the health of blood vessels in adults with Down syndrome (Ds) and comparing it to adults without Ds. While it was once thought that adults with Ds had a lower risk of heart and blood vessel problems, recent information suggests these issues, like stroke, are becoming more common. This study aims to understand if blood vessels in adults with Ds age faster than in others. Researchers will measure carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), which is a way to check the stiffness of your arteries, over about 4 hours. You might be able to join if you are between 18 and 35 years old, generally healthy, and don't do much intense physical activity. If you have Down syndrome, you also need to have normal or stable thyroid function. The study plans to include 24 participants.

Study design: This is an observational study, meaning researchers will observe participants without providing any interventions. It plans to enroll 24 participants.
What's involved: Participants will have their carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) measured, which takes about 4 hours.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: Measurements are taken through study completion, on average 4 hours.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

Vascular Function in Adults With Down Syndrome

Recruiting

Not specifiedAges 18–35Observational

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

~24 participants

Updated 2026-06-05 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites

1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV).

Measured over Through study completion, on average 4 hours

Conditions

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states

Nevada1

Who to contact

Thessa Hilgenkamp, PhD

[email protected]

(702) 8951055

Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

between 18 and 35 years old

generally healthy

sedentary (defined as being involved in less than 30 minutes of moderately-intense physical activity per day)

diagnosis of Down syndrome trisomy 21

normal thyroid function or stable thyroid function (and medications) for at least 6 mo.

Exclusion

unresolved congenital heart disease;

atherosclerotic or other vascular disease (such as blood clot history or clotting disorders);

asthma or other pulmonary disease;

hypertension (defined BP \>140/90 mmHg); blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg;

history of pre-syncope or syncope;

diabetes (defined as Hba1c of \>7.5% or use of glucose lowering medication);

severe obesity (defined as BMI \>40);

heart medications affecting heart rate, blood pressure or arterial function, including blood thinners; anti-inflammatory medication including NSAIDS;

current smoking;

currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study period;

currently breastfeeding;

unable or unwilling to use an acceptable method of contraception during the study timeframe;

positive pregnancy test at screening.

What this trial measures

Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV).Through study completion, on average 4 hours
PWV (m/s) will be measured using small, non-invasive pressure-sensitive transducers that record distension waveforms over superficial arteries like the carotid and femoral artery (PulsePen® DiaTecne - Italia).

Trialytics