NCT05799378 · NYU Langone Health
Effects of Stopping Hydroxychloroquine in Elderly Lupus Disease
(SHIELD)
What this study is about
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) medication that has been very effective in reducing lupus disease activity and keeping patients stable with reduced symptoms. Despite a track record of safety with regard to infection compared to traditional immunosuppressive agents, the risk of HCQ retinal toxicity escalates with continued use.
View original scientific description
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) medication that has been very effective in reducing lupus disease activity and keeping patients stable with reduced symptoms. Despite a track record of safety with regard to infection compared to traditional immunosuppressive agents, the risk of HCQ retinal toxicity escalates with continued use. Evaluation using sensitive standard of care approaches suggests nearly a third of patients accrue retinal damage.
Interventions
DRUG
Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine 200mg capsules. Administered orally.
DRUG
Placebo
Hydroxychloroquine-matching placebo capsule. Administered orally.
Primary outcome measures
Number of Participants who Develop Moderate or Severe Flare based on the Revised SELENA SLEDAI Flare Index (rSFI)
Time frame: Up to Month 12
Number of participants who experience moderate or severe flares as defined by the rSFI.
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
- Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
- Age ≥ 60 years at time of enrollment
- Normal OCT and VF assessment within 6 months of screening visit
- Ability to take oral medication
- Have established SLE (≥ 4 ACR criteria or SLICC criteria or ≥ 10 points by EULAR criteria, SLE diagnosed at least seven years ago)
- Stable disease at screening visit by attaining DORIS remission (meeting all criterion listed below) and not on any immunosuppressants.
- Criterion 1: Clinical SLEDAI= 0
- Criterion 2: SELENA-SLEDAI PGA ≤ 0.5 (on a scale from 0-3, where 0 is no disease activity and 3 is maximum disease activity)
- Criterion 3: Current prednisolone (or equivalent corticosteroid) dose ≤ 5 mg daily
- No moderate or severe flares one year prior to screening
- Taking ≥ 200 HCQ daily for ≥ 7 years
Exclusion criteria
- Any patient that does not attain stab
Where
- Los Angeles, California
- Hackensack, New Jersey
- New York, New York
- The Bronx, New York
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Hershey, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Related conditions & keywords
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 Feb 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations