Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Pilot Study of Gut Commensals in Antiphospholipid Syndrome

United States16 participantsStarted 2013-02

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to explore if certain commensals within the gut microbiota (the collection of all microbes that live inside the gut) correlate with autoantibodies in the autoimmune clotting disorder called antiphospholipid syndrome. The study hypothesis is that particular commensals induce the autoantibodies (immune molecules that bind to self structures) and thus correlate with the level of immune cells and antibodies that are self-reactive. Participants are patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and individuals who have tested positive on a prior blood test for anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies or those that have tested negative for antiphospholipid antibodies in their blood, but had a clotting event or a health problem that puts them at risk to form blood clots.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 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: * 18-70 years of age * One of the following groups below: Group 1a: Persistently positive anti-β2GPI on Coumadin (n: 10) Group 1b: Persistently positive anti-β2GPI not on Coumadin (n: 10) Group 2a: Negative aPL on Coumadin (n: 10) Group 2b: Negative aPL not on Coumadin (n: 10) Persistently positive aβ2GPI will be defined as anti-β2GPI immunoglobulin G (IgG)/IgM/IgA ≥ 40 SGU/SMU at two separate time points at least 12 weeks apart. Negative aPL will be defined as negative Lupus anticoagulant test, aCL IgG/IgM/IgA, and anti-β2GPI IgG/IgM/IgA within 12 months of the study entry. Exclusion Criteria: * Any autoimmune diseases including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spondylarthropathy, Inflammatory Muscle Disease, and Sarcoidosis * Steroid use greater than 10 mg/d prednisone or equivalent 30 days prior to enrollment * Any immunosuppressive drug use within 3 months prior to screening (mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, methotrexate, leflunomide, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis). * Ongoing chronic infection (viral, bacterial or fungal) including known HIV, Hepatitis B/C * Acute infection receiving any antibiotics within 30 days prior to screening * Acute thrombosis within 2 days prior to screening * Major gastrointestinal surgery less than 5 years prior to enrollment (with the exception of appendectomy) * Any Gastrointestinal bleeding history * Inflammatory Bowel Disease diagnosed by biopsy * Celiac Disease diagnosed by biopsy…

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

Change in autoantibody levels

Timeframe: Baseline

Change in autoantibody levels

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Change in autoantibody levels

Timeframe: 8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01787305

SponsorYale University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2017-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 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.