RecruitingNot Applicable

Impact of Aortic Diseases on Quality of Life and Work Ability

Italy300 participantsStarted 2026-03-31

Plain-language summary

Aortic diseases encompass a wide spectrum of congenital and acquired, acute and chronic conditions, characterized by high clinical and prognostic complexity. The aorta plays a central role in blood flow distribution and hemodynamic modulation owing to its elastic properties, which become progressively impaired with aging and in the presence of genetic or degenerative factors. Beyond clinical outcomes, aortic diseases lead to a marked reduction in health-related quality of life, psychological well-being, and functional capacity, with significant occupational and social consequences, thereby making multidisciplinary management necessary. This longitudinal observational study aims to systematically assess health-related quality of life, fatigue, psychological well-being, and work ability in patients with aortic diseases, with the objective of providing objective bases for occupational risk evaluation and promoting an interdisciplinary management model that integrates clinical, psychological, and work-related aspects, thereby supporting the maintenance or recovery of work functioning.

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: * Male and female patients with a confirmed diagnosis of aortic disease under the care of the Complex Operative Unit of Vascular Surgery of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS. * Patients aged between 18 and 70 years. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients younger than 18 years or older than 70 years. * Incomplete diagnostic workup. * Patients who have undergone surgical procedures or experienced concomitant acute events unrelated to the aorta, with a predominant and recent functional impact, that make it impossible to isolate the effect of aortic disease on return to work.

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.

1This trial is measuring something called the Work Ability Index over 12 months — can you explain what that means for me, and whether tracking my ability to work is relevant to my specific aortic condition and situation?
2Since this study seems to focus on collecting information about quality of life and work ability rather than testing a new treatment, would joining it involve any changes to my actual medical care, or would I continue on whatever treatment plan you'd already recommend for me?
3I noticed this trial is listed as 'Phase NA,' which suggests it's more of an observational or survey-based study — does that mean there are fewer safety risks compared to a drug trial, and are there any burdens or commitments over the 12 months I should know about before deciding?
4Given that my aortic disease could take different forms — like an aneurysm or dissection — is this study designed for patients at my specific stage or severity, and do you think my situation is a good fit for what they're trying to measure?
5Are there other priorities in my care right now — like getting a procedure or stabilising my condition — that might make it better to hold off on joining a research study until I'm in a more settled phase of treatment?

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 Work Ability Index (WAI) score from baseline to 12 months in patients with aortic diseases

Timeframe: 12 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07479186

SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2028-03-31

Contact for this trial

Ivo Iavicoli, Prof

+ 39 0630155145 ivo.iavicoli@unicatt.it

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Aortic Diseases trials