NCT01241305 · University of Pennsylvania
One-Time DNA Study for Vasculitis
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to identify genes that increase the risk of developing vasculitis, a group of severe diseases that feature inflammation of blood vessels.
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The purpose of this study is to identify genes that increase the risk of developing vasculitis, a group of severe diseases that feature inflammation of blood vessels. Results of these studies will provide vasculitis researchers with insight into the causes of these diseases and generate new ideas for diagnostic tests and therapies, and will be of great interest to the larger communities of researchers investigating vasculitis and other autoimmune, inflammatory, and vascular diseases.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 1\. Diagnostic criteria for Giant Cell Arteritis Age at disease onset \>50 years (required)
- New onset or new type of localized pain in the head
- Temporal artery abnormality (i.e. temporal artery tenderness to palpation or decreased pulsation, unrelated to arteriosclerosis of cervical arteries)
- ESR of \>40mm in the first hour by the Westergren method
- Abnormal artery biopsy (i.e. temporal artery biopsy showing vasculitis characterized by a predominance of mononuclear cell infiltration or granulomatous inflammation, usually with multinucleated giant cells)
- Large Vessel Vasculitis (LVV) by angiogram or biopsy not explained by something else Inclusion Criteria: 2\. Diagnostic criteria for Takayasu's Arteritis
- Age at disease onset \<50 years
- Claudication of extremities
- Decreased brachial artery pulse (one or both arteries)
- Blood pressure difference of \>10mm Hg between the arms
- Bruit over subclavian arteries or aorta
- Arteriogram abnormalities compatible with TAK (includes conventional dye angiography or MR angiography or CT angiography) Inclusion Criteria: 3\. Diagnostic criteria for Polyarteritis Nodosa Major criteria (not explained by other causes) felt by investigator to be due to vasculitis
- Arteriographic abnormality
- Presence of granulocyte or mixed leukocyte infiltrate in an arterial wall on biopsy
- Mononeuropathy or polyneuropathy Minor criteria (not explained by other causes) felt by investigator to be due to vasculitis
- Weight loss \> 4 kg
- Livedo reticularis, cutaneous ulcerations, or skin nodules
- Testicular pain or tenderness
- Diastolic blood pressure \> 90 mm Hg
- Elevated BUN or serum creatinine levels
- Ischemic abdominal pain Isolated cutaneous Polyarteritis Nodosa 1. Biopsy-proven cutaneous PAN Inclusion Criteria: 4\. Diagnostic criteria for Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) and Microscopic Polyangitis (MPA)
- Diagnosis of GPA or MPA. Widely accepted diagnostic criteria, as opposed to classification criteria or definitions, have not been developed for GPA \& MPA.
- For diagnosis of GPA meets at least 2 of the following 5 modified ACR criteria:
- Nasal or oral inflammation with oral ulcers or nasal discharge with pus or blood
- Abnormal chest radiograph with nodules, fixed infiltrates, or cavities
- Urinary sediment with microhematuria or red cell casts
- Granulomatous inflammation within the wall of an artery or in the perivascular area on biopsy
- Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positive by enzyme immunoassay for either PR3- or MPO-ANCA
- For diagnosis of MPA, meets the Chapel Hill Consensus Conference Definition for MPA:
- Necrotizing vasculitis, with few or no immune deposits, that affects small vessels (i.e., capillaries, venules, arterioles)
- Necrotizing arteritis involving small- and medium-sized arteries may be present
- Necrotizing glomerulonephritis is very common
- Pulmonary capillaritis often occurs Inclusion Criteria: 5\. Diagnostic criteria for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss)
- Peak peripheral blood eosinophilia of \>10% of total WBC
- Peripheral neuropathy attributable to vasculitis
- Transient pulmonary infiltrates on chest imaging studies
- Paranasal sinus abnormalities or nasal polyposis
- Eosinophilic inflammation on tissue biopsy If patients have 4 of the above 6 criteria but lack clearcut documentation of small vessel vasculitis, they are also eligible for enrollment. General
Exclusion criteria
- Inability to give informed consent and to sign the consent form
- Enrolled in VCRC protocols 5502, 5503, 5504, 5505, 5506, 5522, or 5523
- Unwilling to provide blood for DNA collection
Where
- Los Angeles, California
- San Francisco, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Rochester, Minnesota
- New York, New York
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations