NCT02974595 · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Natural History, Pathogenesis, and Outcome of Autoinflammatory Diseases (NOMID/CAPS, DIRA, CANDLE, SAVI, NLRC4-MAS, Still'S-like Diseases, and Other Undifferentiated Autoinflammatory Diseases)
What this study is about
Background: Some diseases cause chronic inflammation with intermittent flares in the body. These are called autoinflammatory diseases. They can cause fevers, rashes, ulcers, and other problems. Researchers want to learn more about the causes and effects of these diseases. They hope this will improve how the disease is managed in the future.
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Background: Some diseases cause chronic inflammation with intermittent flares in the body. These are called autoinflammatory diseases. They can cause fevers, rashes, ulcers, and other problems. Researchers want to learn more about the causes and effects of these diseases. They hope this will improve how the disease is managed in the future. Objectives: To understand the underlying immune dysregulation To identify the genetic cause To translate our findings into novel treatments that improve patients disease outcomes Eligibility: Patients with known NOMID/CAPS, DIRA, CANDLE, SAVI, NLRC4-MAS, Still's Disease, and with other yet undifferentiated autoinflammatory diseases. Unaffected relatives of participants with a known or undifferentiated autoinflammatory disease Healthy adult volunteers at least 18 years of age Design: Participants will be screened with blood sample and medical history. They may provide copies of their medical records. Enrolled participants will be evaluated at the NIH for 2-5 days. All participants will have a detailed medical history, physical exam, blood tests, and other evaluations depending on the extent of their autoinflammatory disease. Participants may also expect the following assessments: 1. Clinical tests that help assess organ damage and function such as hearing, vision, memory, and learning tests. 2. Imaging studies to characterize organ involvement of the inflammatory disease including: X-rays, CT scans, special MRIs, and bone scans. 3. Laboratory evaluations including clinical markers of disease activity, research samples for genetic studies, blood samples for cytokine/biomarker assessment, and gene expression profiling. 4. Questionnaires to assess disease activity and quality of life. 5. If indicated, other procedures may be administered that include: a lumbar puncture if CNS inflammation is suspected, a skin biopsy if skin inflammation is present, and/or gastrointestinal and pulmonary procedures if they are clinically indicated. Participants may return for a single follow-up visit or for long-term follow-up visits depending on their disease and willingness to return. Long-term follow-up may occur for up to 15 years on this protocol.
Primary outcome measures
To study the pathogenesis of patients affected with auto-inflammatory diseases, including their clinical, immunological, genetic and metabolic/endocrinological characteristics.
Time frame: 1-2 years, 3-5 years, 10 years
To study the pathogenesis of patients affected with autoinflammatory diseases, including their clinical, immunological, genetic and metabolic/endocrinological characteristics.
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
- - AFFECTED PARTICIPANTS:
- Be 2 to 99 years old for participants who will be seen at the NIH CC; be 0 (newborn) to 99 years old for participants who participate remotely via a virtual protocol visit and will submit mail-in samples. Participants younger than 3 years will be seen in the outpatient clinic at the NIH CC if approved by the Pediatric Consult Service as per NIH CC policy and guidelines.
- Is willing to allow storage of biological specimens for future use in medical research.
- Is willing to allow genetic testing on collected biological samples.
- Has a primary care or other physician who will manage all health conditions related or unrelated to the study objectives.
- Fulfills one of the following criteria:
- Has a known disease-causing genetic mutation associated with NOMID/CAPS, DIRA, CANDLE, SAVI, or NLRC4-MAS.
- Has clinical signs or symptoms not explained by any other disorder (eg, infections, malignancies) and are consistent with a possible IL-1 mediated autoinflammatory disease. Participants must meet both of the following criteria:
- Clinical characteristics strongly consistent with an IL-1 mediated autoinflammatory disease per the following criteria and at the discretion of the principal investigator (PI). Individuals must have a past or present history of one of the following to be considered for study enrollment:
- Recurrent fever that has gone undiagnosed after reasonable attempts, and that is consistent with the conditions under study in this protocol
- Neutrophilic urticaria, pustular dermatitis, erysipelas-like erythema, or urticarial rash
- Epiphyseal and/or patella enlargement, periostitis, myalgias, arthralgias, arthritis, or recurrent multifocal aseptic osteomyelitis
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Chronic aseptic meningitis or CNS vasculitis
- Conjunctivitis, episcleritis, uveitis, papilledema, pleuritis, pericarditis, aseptic peritonitis, early onset enterocolitis, hepatosplenomegaly, or lymphadenopathies
- Laboratory characteristics strongly consistent with an IL-1mediated autoinflammatory disease per the following criteria. Individuals must havepast or present history of evidence of systemic inflammation (eg, elevation of C-reactive protein \[CRP\] and/or erythrocyte sedimentation rate \[ESR\], anemia, thrombocytosis).
- Has clinical signs or symptoms not explained by any other disorder (eg, infections, malignancies) and are consistent with a possible IFN-mediated, autoinflammatory disease.1,36 Participants must meet both of the following criteria:
- Clinical characteristics strongly consistent with an IFN-mediated autoinflammatory disease per the following criteria and at the discretion of the PI. Individuals must have a past or present history of one of the following to be considered for study enrollment:
- Recurrent fevers that has gone undiagnosed after reasonable attempts, and that is consistent with the conditions under study in this protocol
- Panniculitis, ischemic ulcerative skin lesions, chilblain lesions, or livedo reticularis
- Lipodystrophy
- Myositis, arthralgias, arthritis, or joint contractures
- Basal ganglia calcifications or white matter CNS disease
- Interstitial lung disease, lung fibrosis, or pulmonary hypertension
- Conjunctivitis, episcleritis, cortical blindness, glaucoma, papilledema, or hepatosplenomegaly
- Laboratory characteristics strongly consistent with an IFN-mediated autoinflammatory disease per the following criteria. Individuals must have past or present history one or more of the following to be considered for study enrollment:
- Evidence of systemic inflammation (eg, ESR or CRP)
- Cytopenias (eg. leukopenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia)
- Dyslipidemia or insulin resistance
- Abnormal liver function test, creatinine kinase (CK), or LDH
- Has clinical signs or symptoms consistent with an undifferentiated autoinflammatory disease (including but not limited to dysregulation in other proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-17, TNF, IL-18, and others). Participants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Clinical characteristics strongly consistent with an undifferentiated autoinflammatory disease. Individuals must have a past or present history of one of the clinical and one of the laboratory characteristics mentioned above to be considered for study enrollment.
- Individuals with defined organ inflammation associated with past or current evidence of systemic inflammation.
- Alternatively to #5, had been enrolled in the past as an affected participant on NIAMS study 03-AR-0173 and or had samples collected on 03-AR-0173. INCLUSION CRITERIA - UNAFFECTED RELATIVES OF AFFECTED PARTICIPANTS:
- Be 2 to 99 years old for participants who will be seen at the NIH CC; be 0 (newborn) to 99 years old for participants who participate remotely via a virtual protocol visit and will submit mail-in samples. Participants younger than 3 years will be seen in the outpatient clinic at the NIH CC if approved by the Pediatric Consult Service as per NIH CC policy and guidelines.)
- Be related by blood to an affected participant.
- Is willing to allow storage of biological samples for future use in medical research.
- Is willing to allow genetic testing on collected biological samples.
- Does not fulfill any of inclusion criterion #5 for affected participants.
- Is able to provide informed consent. INCLUSION CRITERIA - HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Not be related to an affected participant.
- s willing to allow storage of biological samples for future use in medical research.
- Is willing to allow genetic testing on collected biological samples.
- Does not fulfill any of inclusion criterion #5 for affected participants.
- Is able to provide informed consent. PARTICIPANT
Exclusion criteria
- Presence of conditions that, in the judgment of the investigator, may put the participant at undue risk or make them unsuitable for participation in the study.
- Oncological evaluation suggestive of lymphoma, leukemia or multiple myeloma, except for participants with a known primary diagnosis of an autoinflammatory disease who subsequently developed a malignancy. These patients will not be excluded from the study.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
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 Apr 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations