Association of Serum VEGF-A and VCAM-1 Levels With Nailfold Capilleroscopic Alterations in Alopec… (NCT07499713) | Clinical Trial Compass
By InvitationNot Applicable
Association of Serum VEGF-A and VCAM-1 Levels With Nailfold Capilleroscopic Alterations in Alopecia Areata
Turkey (Türkiye)90 participantsStarted 2026-04-01
Plain-language summary
The goal of this observational study is to learn about microvascular changes and hair follicle activity in patients with alopecia areata. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Do blood levels of markers related to blood vessel formation (VEGF-A) and inflammation (VCAM-1) differ between patients with alopecia areata and healthy individuals?
Is there a link between these blood markers and structural changes in the nailfold capillaries?
How do these markers relate to specific trichoscopic signs of disease activity (such as black dots or exclamation mark hairs) and the overall severity of hair loss (SALT score)?
Researchers will compare patients with alopecia areata (grouped by disease duration: acute \<6 months vs. chronic \>6 months) to healthy volunteers to see if there is a significant difference in systemic and local vascular indicators.
Participants will:
Undergo a trichoscopic scalp examination to identify markers of disease activity (black dots, yellow dots, exclamation mark hairs) and calculate the SALT score.
Have their nailfolds examined with a digital capillaroscope (50x) to detect microvascular alterations.
Provide a blood sample to measure the levels of VEGF-A and VCAM-1.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 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:
* Age: Participants aged between 18 and 60 years.
* Diagnosis: Clinical and trichoscopic diagnosis of Alopecia Areata (AA) by a dermatologist.
* Categorization: "Acute" (\<6 months duration) or "Chronic" (≥6 months duration) groups.
* Consent: Ability to provide written informed consent for participation in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Medical History: Patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, connective tissue diseases, chronic inflammatory or vascular diseases.
* Pregnancy \& Lactation: Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* Lifestyle Factors: Active smoking or chronic alcohol use.
* Hair \& Nail Conditions: Causes of hair loss other than alopecia areata, the presence of any nail disease, or having had a manicure within the last 3 weeks.
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
Serum Levels of VEGF-A and VCAM-1
Timeframe: At enrollment (Baseline - Single time point)