NCT02147405 · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
PET Imaging and Lymph Node Assessment of IRIS in People With AIDS
What this study is about
Background: \- Sometimes people with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can have new or worsening symptoms soon after starting HIV medications. Often these symptoms are caused by immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Researchers want to study why and how people develop IRIS and how best to prevent and treat it.
View original scientific description
Background: \- Sometimes people with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can have new or worsening symptoms soon after starting HIV medications. Often these symptoms are caused by immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Researchers want to study why and how people develop IRIS and how best to prevent and treat it. Objectives: \- To learn the causes and effects of IRIS, and how to best manage it. Eligibility: \- Adults 18 and older with HIV and low CD4 counts,, about to start HIV medicines; or those already taking HIV medicines with symptoms thought to be related to IRIS. Design: * Participants not on ART will have screening blood tests for CD4 count, HIV viral load and genetic testing. * After the screening blood tests and before starting HIV medicines., participants will return for more than 1 visit for the following: * review of medical history\<TAB\> * physical and eye exams * blood, urine, and tuberculosis (TB) tests * electrocardiogram (EKG) * chest x-ray * apheresis: a blood drawing procedure where blood is removed from a vein, white blood cells are separated and collected, and the rest of the blood is returned to the person using another vein * \- PET scan - a procedure where a small amount of radioactive material is injected in a vein. The participant then lies on a table that slides into a scanner which takes images of the body. * lymph node biopsy * stool collection by swab * After completion of the above, HIV medicines will be started. * Follow-up visits will be at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after starting ART, then every 12 weeks. Some of the tests above may be repeated. * Participants already on HIV medicines who may have IRIS will be screened over a 4 week time period to see if they really are experiencing IRIS. The screening process will include all of the items listed above. Follow-up visits will be at Weeks, 4, 8, 12 and then every 12 weeks. * The study will last 1 year for both groups but may be extended to 2 years (3 additional appointments) for some participants.
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
- Documentation of HIV-1 infection. Results from outside facilities will be accepted for enrollment.
- No recent (within the past two years) treatment with combination anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Patients with limited (no more than 2-3 weeks) recent use of potent combination ART may be eligible for study participation if, the opinion of the investigator, the ART usage will not impact the scientific validity of the protocol
- Documented CD4+ cell count \<=100 cells/mm\^3 within the past 8 weeks.
- Residence within the wider Washington D.C. area (within a 100-mile radius from the NIH Bethesda campus) and plans to stay in the area for 48 weeks
- Men or women age \>=18 years.
- Ability and willingness of subject (or legal guardian/representative) to understand study requirements and give informed consent\*.
- Willingness to allow storage of blood or tissue samples for future research
- Willingness at time of screening to undergo study procedures (phlebotomy, apheresis, optional FDG-PET/CT and lymph node biopsy)
- Willingness to have genetic testing
- Participants should have a primary care physician or will need to agree to have one established by 24 weeks on study.
- Potential participants who lack decision-making capacity to consent to research participation may enroll in this study at the discretion of the investigator if this incapacity is expected to last for a short period of time. IRIS ARM INCLUSION CRITERIA:
- Documentation of HIV-1 infection. Results from outside facilities will be accepted for enrollment.
- Meet criteria suspicious for IRIS (Must meet 4/5 following criteria):
- Initiation (reintroduction or change) in antiretroviral therapy/regimen
- Evidence of: i. an increase in CD4+ cell count defined as \>= 50cell/mm\^3 or a \>= 2 fold rise in CD4+ cell count, and/or ii. decrease in the HIV-1 viral load of \>=0.5 log10 c. Symptoms and/or signs consistent with an infectious/inflammatory condition. d. These symptoms and/or signs cannot be explained by a newly acquired infection, the expected clinical course of a previously recognized infectious agent, or the side effects of antiretroviral therapy itself. e. The infectious/inflammatory condition must be attributable to a specific pathogen or condition. Criteria d or e may not be met for suspected IRIS definition.
- Residence within the wider Washington D.C. area (within a 100-mile radius from the NIH Bethesda campus) \*\*Participants from outside of the 100 mile radius may be enrolled on a case by case basis to diagnose or manage IRIS.
- Men or women age \>=18 years.
- Ability and willingness of subject to understand study requirements and give informed consent\*.
- Willingness to allow storage of blood or tissue samples for future research
- Willingness at time of screening to undergo study procedures (phlebotomy, apheresis, an optional FDG-PET/CT, and lymph node biopsy)
- Willingness to have genetic testing
- Participants should have a primary care physician who will initiate the referral.
- Potential participants who lack decision-making capacity to consent to research participation may enroll in this study at the discretion of the investigator if this incapacity is expected to last for a short period of time. SUBJECT
Exclusion criteria
- Active drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements.
- Pregnancy will be an exclusion criterion for study entry given the intense nature of the protocol regarding blood draws, apheresis, biopsies and FDG-PET/CT imaging.
- Inadequate venous access for phlebotomy and apheresis procedures as assessed by the study team.
- Women who are breastfeeding.
- A life-threatening underlying illness that according to the study team requires immediate intervention such as PML requiring initiation of ARVs or lymphomas requiring chemotherapy initiation.
- An inability to consent that is estimated by the study team to be irreversible.
- History of significant medical non-adherence which would, in the opinion of the investigator, interfere with study participation.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
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 Jul 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations