Clinical Trial: Genetic Risk Factors Associated With Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Genetics of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Brief Summary: Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, which are proteins in the blood that interfere with the body's ability to perform normal blood clotting. Clinical problems associated with antiphospholipid antibodies include an increased risk for the formation of blood clots in the lungs or deep veins of the legs, stroke, heart attack, and recurrent miscarriages. It is possible that some people with APS have a genetic predisposition for developing the syndrome. This study will use a genetic strategy to identify potential inherited risk factors for the development of APS by recruiting people with APS who have family members also affected by the syndrome or by another autoimmune disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Detailed Summary:

APS is an autoimmune disorder that causes an increased risk for developing a venous or arterial thromboembolism, as well as recurrent miscarriages. APS frequently occurs in people with lupus, and is referred to as secondary APS in this case. Many people who have APS, however, do not have another autoimmune disorder, and their disease is referred to as primary APS. APS may be a genetic disorder, and identifying the gene(s) that predisposes an individual to develop it could lead to a better understanding of the disease, as well as improved therapies. This study will use a genetic strategy to identify potential risk factors for the development of APS by recruiting people with APS who have family members who are either affected by the syndrome or who have another autoimmune disorder. The results of the genetic testing will be compared among the following two groups of families: people with APS who also have one or more of their family members affected specifically by APS; and people with APS who also have one or more of their family members affected by another type of autoimmune disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Participants in this study will perform a pre-screening questionnaire over the phone to determine relevant clinical diagnoses and collect a brief family history of autoimmune disorders. Eligible participants will receive an enrollment package in the mail. If possible, participants will then report to the study site to supply a detailed family and medical history and provide a blood sample for analysis for antiphospholipid antibodies and preparation of genomic DNA. If participants are unable to attend the study visit, the interviews will be conducted over the phone. Those who are unable to attend the site visit will receive a blood enrollment kit in the mail, and these participants will report to a convenient location for phlebotomy services. Participant
Sponsor: Duke University

Current Primary Outcome: characterize genetic risk factors associated with the development of familial antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. [ Time Frame: duration of the study ]

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Information By: Duke University

Dates:
Date Received: June 1, 2007
Date Started: June 2006
Date Completion: December 2017
Last Updated: May 18, 2017
Last Verified: May 2017