CompletedNot Applicable

Cause and Natural Course of Pediatric-Onset Mastocytosis

United States103 participantsStarted 2002-11-22

Plain-language summary

This study will evaluate children with mastocytosis, a disease of excessive mast cells in tissues such as skin and bone marrow, to identify the cause of the disease and describe its course. Mast cells can release chemicals that cause itching, blisters, flushing, bone pain, and abdominal pain. Usually, mastocytosis in children involves the skin only and is of limited duration. This study, however, will focus on children with more severe disease that more closely resembles adult-onset mastocytosis. Patients up to 21 years of age with childhood-onset mastocytosis may be eligible for this study. Candidates must have one or more of the following abnormalities, which indicate severe disease: enlarged liver or spleen; diffuse skin involvement; history of gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer; bone marrow biopsy with abnormal mast cells either in number or shape; elevated blood levels of the enzyme tryptase; or abnormal hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, or clotting factors. Participants will have a medical history and physical examination; various blood tests, including studies to identify genetic changes that are important in the growth, development, and functioning of human mast cells; and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. For the bone marrow procedure, the skin over the hipbone and the outer surface of the bone itself are numbed with an injection of local anesthesia. Then, a special needle is inserted into the hipbone and about 2 tablespoons of bone marrow are drawn into a syringe. Another needle is then inserted through the first needle to collect a small piece of the bone marrow. Pain will be managed according to the individual patient s needs. Additional procedures, such as a gastroenterology consultation, colonoscopy to examine the colon, or computerized axial tomography (CT) or ultrasound of the abdomen to assess the liver and spleen, may be done if medically indicated. Standard medical treatment, including antihistamines for itching or steroids for abdominal cramping or diarrhea, will be recommended as appropriate. Patients biologic parents may also be enrolled to provide a blood sample for genetic analysis and a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy for clinical and research purposes. Patients will return to NIH once a year for follow-up evaluations until their disease is stable or until the 5-year study ends. ...

Who can participate

Age range

21 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

* INCLUSION CRITERIA: Children with tissue-diagnosed pediatric-onset mastocytosis formerly enrolled in protocols 90-I-0120, and 93-I-0136 or per physician referral with more severe disease as indicated by one of the following parameters: * Hepatomegaly or splenomegaly; * Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis; * History of gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease; * Bone marrow biopsy with abnormal numbers or shaped mast cells or abnormal flow cytometry; * Serum tryptase greater than 20ng/ml; * Hematologic abnormalities such as an increase WBC, thrombocytosis, and/or an increase in PT and/or PTT. INCLUSION CRITERIA-SUBJECT: * Age birth to 21.0 years of age at the time of entry into the protocol * Diagnosis of mastocytosis by skin examination or histologic evidence in a skin or bone marrow biopsy * Subject has a primary medical care provider outside the NIH * Subject or parent or guardian is able to give informed consent INCLUSION CRITERIA-RELATIVE: * A biological relative with or without the diagnosis of mastocytosis by skin examination or histologic evidence in a skin or bone marrow biopsy * Subject has a primary medical care provider outside the NIH EXCLUSION CRITERIA SUBJECT: * Age greater than or equal to 21.0 years * No primary care physician * Has AIDS or is HIV Positive

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00050193

SponsorNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

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