Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Perfusion and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Neuropsychiatric Lupus (NCT00723671) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Perfusion and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Neuropsychiatric Lupus
United States66 participantsStarted 2006-11
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to find out if certain types of Magnetic Resonance (MR) scanning will help to better detect markers in the brain that are related to the neuropsychiatric symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A small percentage of patients who have this type of lupus experience symptoms that may result from a blood clot or change in blood vessel structure in the brain. These neuropsychiatric symptoms can include an inability to think clearly, a change in level of awake and/or awareness, and in the worst cases, seizure and stroke. Another goal of the study is to find out if individuals with fibromyalgia (FM), or chronic pain, have symptom-related markers in any of these scans as well. Better and earlier detection of markers that are related to acute neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) and FM will be helpful to all who are affected by these diseases.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* Meet the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE with neuropsychiatric symptoms.
* Be 18 years of age or older.
* Have recent onset of neurological symptoms that have been active within the last 14 days. The criteria for NPSLE study patients will be a clinically significant neurologic examination which, in the opinion of the treating physician, may be due to SLE and requires MRI evaluation. Patients will be classified according to the nomenclature recommended by the ACR on Neuropsychiatric Manifestations in SLE, and further classified as "focal," "nonfocal," or "seizure" \[68\].
* Be willing and able to complete all study procedures and sign the informed consent form.
* Report no neurological symptoms at the time of enrollment.
* The patients meeting the baseline criteria will be sequentially enrolled from the Lupus Cohort. Recruitment will be adjusted to include equal numbers of APA positive and APA negative patients.
* Meet the established ACR criteria for FM \[69\].
* Be willing and able to complete all study procedures associated with baseline scanning.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Those SLE patients with acute onset of neurological symptoms with duration longer than 14 days.
* Individuals who are pregnant.
* Individuals who are left-handed.
* Individuals who meet 1990 ACR criteria for FM
* Have acute onset of neurological symptoms related to SLE.
* Individuals who are pregnant.
* Individuals who are left-handed.
* Individuals who meet AC…
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.