CompletedNot Applicable

The Effects of Genetic Differences Among AIDS Patients on Cytomegalovirus Retinitis

United States2,232 participantsStarted 2004-10-26

Plain-language summary

This study will evaluate the role of certain gene variants on the onset and course of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis-a severe infection affecting the eye-in patients with AIDS. Symptoms include blurry vision, eye pain, photophobia, floaters, eye redness, and impaired vision. Left untreated, it can cause blindness. The study is done in collaboration with investigators of the Longitudinal Studies of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (LSOCA) at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The purpose of the LSOCA study is to learn about how HIV and other infections associated with AIDS and their treatments affect people's eyes and sight. Blood samples previously collected from patients participating in the LSOCA study will be analyzed for gene variants. These differences will then be correlated with the patients' clinical data to try to discover the role of gene differences among patients on the following: susceptibility to CMV and related problems; development and course of CMV; and response to HAART (highly active antiretroviral treatment), particularly in CMV onset and pathology. The study will use blood samples and clinical information previously collected from patients during their participation in LSOCA. The materials will be identified with a numerical code linking the samples and clinical data. No additional procedures will be performed on patients for this study.

Who can participate

Age range

13 Years – 100 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: Lymphocytes for DNA and relevant clinical data from properly consented subjects will be provided to the LGD for genotyping and analysis. No available subjects will be excluded. Diagnosis of AIDS according to the 1993 CDC diagnostic criteria (with or without clinical symptoms of CMV retinitis or other ocular complications of AIDS). Age 13 years or older Signed consent statement For minors, ages 13-17, signed Consent Statement (by parent/guardian) and Assent Statement (by adolescent and parent/guardian).

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.

What they're measuring

Collection of 2500 samples

Timeframe: Annually

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00341172

SponsorNational Cancer Institute (NCI)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2011-06-30

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