The primary goal of this study is to identify the presence and possible pathogenic role of auto-antibodies in scleritis patients. Secondary goals are to evaluate the presence and role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in scleritis and its…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Ocular infections, irritations and inflammations
- Autoimmune disorders
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The main study parameter is the difference in prevalence of specific
auto-antibodies between patients with scleritis and controls.
Secondary outcome
Other study parameters are the differences between presence of MMPs, specific
biomarkers and HLA associations between patients and controls.
Background summary
The pathogenesis of scleritis, a severe and potentially blinding inflammation
of the sclera, is still not unravelled. Scleritis is often associated with
severe (autoimmune) systemic disorders and it was suggested that autoimmunity
and other immunologic-/inflammatory components play a crucial role in the
pathogenesis and in the development of complications such as necrosis. Our
research attempts to further elucidate the pathogenesis of this disorder and
thereby contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Study objective
The primary goal of this study is to identify the presence and possible
pathogenic role of auto-antibodies in scleritis patients. Secondary goals are
to evaluate the presence and role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in
scleritis and its complications. In addition we attempt to determine specific
biomarkers for activity of scleritis or the development of scleritis in
systemic disorders as well as its possible HLA associations.
Study design
This multicenter study will take approximately 4 years. The coordinating center
is the Erasmus Medical Center. Samples will be collected prospectively at
participating centers.
Study burden and risks
The risks associated with participation in our project can be considered
negligible and the burden minimal. Blood and tear fluid samples will be taken
during regular ophthalmological evaluation and patients will not be asked to
perform any additional activities or suffer from any additional invasive
procedures. The results of this study may be beneficial to the subjects by
elucidating the pathogenesis of scleritis and revealing possible new targets
for therapy. In addition, novel biomarkers of disease activity may improve
treatment monitoring.
Dr. Molenwaterplein 40
Rotterdam 3015 GD
NL
Dr. Molenwaterplein 40
Rotterdam 3015 GD
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Patients with scleritis with a minimum age of 18 years.
Exclusion criteria
Patients who are younger than 18 years old, who are mentally not competent, or
patients with insufficient knowledge of the Dutch language.
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL71698.078.19 |