RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

One-Time DNA Study for Vasculitis

This research wants to find out what causes vasculitis, a group of serious diseases where blood vessels get inflamed. By studying people's DNA, scientists hope to identify specific genes that make someone more likely to develop these conditions. Understanding these genetic links could lead to much better ways to diagnose vasculitis earlier and develop new, more effective treatments. This is important because vasculitis can affect many parts of the body and cause serious health problems. The study focuses on several types of vasculitis, including Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Giant Cell Arteritis, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Microscopic Polyangiitis, Polyarteritis Nodosa, and Takayasu's Arteritis. Your participation could help us learn more about these conditions and help future patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Pennsylvania

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Oct 2010

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2028

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss)Giant Cell Arteritis Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener's)Microscopic Polyangiitis Polyarteritis Nodosa Takayasu's Arteritis

What is this study about?

Imagine your body's blood vessels are like tiny pipes carrying blood all over. If these pipes get inflamed, it's called vasculitis. There are different kinds of vasculitis, and they can affect various parts of the body, leading to serious health problems. This study is like a detective story, trying to find clues in our genes – the special instructions inside our bodies that make us who we are.

Researchers believe that certain genes might make some people more likely to get vasculitis. By collecting a small sample of your DNA (your genetic code), they hope to identify these genes. This helps them understand why these diseases start and how they develop. Knowing this could open doors to better ways to spot vasculitis early and create new, more effective treatments.

This research is particularly helpful because it covers several types of vasculitis, some of which are quite rare. Many people with vasculitis live far from research centers, making it hard to take part in studies that need lots of visits. This study makes it easier for more people to contribute, as it only requires a one-time DNA sample and some health information. Your involvement, even if it's just this one time, can make a big difference in helping the medical community learn more about these conditions and improve care for others.

Key takeaways

Your DNA holds clues to vasculitis.
Help us understand the causes of blood vessel inflammation.
A one-time blood sample is all that's needed from you.
No new treatments or frequent hospital visits required.
Your contribution could lead to better future treatments.
Open to patients aged 7 and above, with specific vasculitis types.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who have been diagnosed with certain types of vasculitis. This includes specific diagnoses like Giant Cell Arteritis, Takayasu's Arteritis, Polyarteritis Nodosa, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA).

If you have Giant Cell Arteritis, you would generally be over 50 when your symptoms started, and have experienced new headaches, tenderness in your temple, or high ESR blood test results, among other things. For Takayasu's Arteritis, you would typically be under 50 at onset and might have symptoms like arm pain when using them, or differences in blood pressure between your arms. Polyarteritis Nodosa can involve conditions affecting arteries or a specific skin form.

Ultimately, a doctor involved in the study will need to confirm your diagnosis fits the specific criteria. The study welcomes both males and females, and children as young as 7 can participate, as well as adults of any age.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do I have a confirmed diagnosis of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Giant Cell Arteritis, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Microscopic Polyangiitis, Polyarteritis Nodosa, or Takayasu's Arteritis?
If I have Giant Cell Arteritis, were my symptoms generally after age 50?
If I have Takayasu's Arteritis, were my symptoms generally before age 50?
Am I aged 7 years or older?
Am I interested in helping future patients with vasculitis?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement will be quite straightforward. We would collect a small sample of your DNA, likely through a blood test. This is usually a one-time process. We would also gather some information about your health and your specific type of vasculitis. You wouldn't need to take any new medications as part of this study, nor would you have frequent follow-up appointments. This means it's a single visit or collection opportunity, making it easier for people who live far from clinical centres. The information and sample provided would contribute to this research project for its entire duration, which could take several years to complete analyses and publish findings.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is contributing to a better understanding of vasculitis. Your information could help researchers discover new ways to diagnose and treat these conditions in the future, even if it doesn't directly benefit your health right now. The risks are generally very low; a blood test carries a small risk of bruising, soreness, or, very rarely, infection. There are no known risks from the genetic analysis itself. Remember, participation is always voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (14)

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Verified postcode
Los Angeles, United States· Completed
University of California, San Francisco
Verified postcode
San Francisco, United States· Completed
Northwestern University
Verified postcode
Chicago, United States· Recruiting
University of Kansas Medical Center
Verified postcode
Kansas City, United States· Completed
University of Michigan
Verified postcode
Ann Arbor, United States· Completed
Mayo Clinic
Verified postcode
Rochester, United States· Completed
Hospital for Special Surgery
Verified postcode
New York, United States· Completed
Cleveland Clinic
Verified postcode
Cleveland, United States· Completed
University of Pennsylvania
Verified postcode
Philadelphia, United States· Recruiting
University of Pittsburgh
Verified postcode
Pittsburgh, United States· Completed
University of Utah
Verified postcode
Salt Lake City, United States· Completed
St. Joseph's Healthcare
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of diseases where your body's blood vessels become inflamed. This can affect various parts of your body and lead to serious health issues.

Why is this study looking at DNA?

Researchers believe that certain genes may make some people more likely to develop vasculitis. By studying DNA, they hope to find these genes to better understand the causes of the disease.

Will I get any specific treatment as part of this study?

No, this study is observing and collecting information and a DNA sample. It doesn't involve giving new treatments or medications.

How long will my involvement in the study last?

Your direct involvement is usually a one-time visit for a blood sample and to provide some health details.

Can I still participate if I live far from a hospital?

Yes, this study is designed to be accessible, requiring only a one-time DNA sample and clinical data, which is helpful for patients not living close to research centers.

How to find out more

Carol McAlear, MA

cmcalear@upenn.edu Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.