This clinical trial deals with focal cerebral arteriopathy and childhood stroke, a rare but devastating condition.
Focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA) is an inflammatory vessel wall disease provoked by infection and there is increasing evidence that inflammatory processes play a crucial role in childhood stroke, influencing the outcome of the disease.
Analysis of existing data suggests that outcomes are improved and that there is less stroke recurrence in children treated with steroids to reduce the acute inflammatory processes. This clinical trial will be conducted in over 20 hospitals in several countries in order to investigate this.
Participants will be randomly separated into two groups. The first group will be treated with standard of care (including aspirin) combined with high dose steroids. The second group will be treated with standard of care (including aspirin) but without steroid treatment.
The objective is to investigate if children treated with a combination of high dose steroid and aspirin will have a better and quicker recovery of FCA, better clinical functional outcome, and less recurrence compared to children treated with aspirin alone.
This project has been identified by international pediatric stroke experts as the most important topic for a clinical trial in the field and is as well one of the most important research priorities identified by parents. The study results will also provide insight into the evolution of inflammatory vessel disease.
Who can participate
Age range
6 Months – 17 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
. Informed consent of the legal representative of the trial participant documented by signature
. Age \> 6 months \& \< 18 years at time of stroke
. Randomisation possible within 48 hours of diagnosis and maximum 96 hours after stroke onset
. Unilateral arteriopathy according to the following criteria:
. Unless otherwise defined in the national addendum: Female participants age ≥ 13: Negative pregnancy test (blood or urine)
Exclusion criteria
. Previous stroke
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
1
Change in Focal Cerebral Arteriopathy Severity Score (FCASS) from baseline