RecruitingNCT00867269

Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Natural History of Idiopathic CD4+ Lymphocytopenia


Sponsor

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Enrollment

950 participants

Start Date

Jul 13, 2009

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Summary

Background: * Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a condition in which there is a decreased level of CD4+ lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), which can lead to opportunistic infections or autoimmune disorders and diseases. Objectives: * To characterize the natural history with regard to CD4+ T cell count and onset of infection, malignancy, and autoimmunity. * To describe the immunological status of patients affected by ICL while providing the best possible standard therapy to eradicate opportunistic infections. * To establish the timeline of CD4 lymphocytopenia, with particular focus on defining subgroups of patients according to the decline, stabilization, or rise of CD4+ T cell counts over time. * To characterize the opportunistic infections that occur in ICL patients at microbiologic and molecular levels. * To characterize the immunophenotype and possible genetic immunodeficiency causes of ICL. * To determine whether measurable immunologic parameters correlate with the development of opportunistic infections or other comorbidities such as lymphoma in patients with ICL. * To determine whether there is any association between ICL and autoimmunity. * To determine CD4+ T cell turnover, survival, functionality, and cytokine responsiveness in ICL patients. Eligibility: * Patients 2 years of age and older with an absolute CD4 count less than 300 in children 6 years or older and adults or less than 20% of T cells in children younger than 6 on two occasions at least 6 weeks apart. * Patients with negative results of HIV testing by ELISA, Western Blot, and viral load. * Patients must not have underlying immunodeficiency conditions, be receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs that kill cells), or have cancer. Design: * At the initial visit to the National Institutes of Health, the following evaluations will be conducted: * Personal and family medical histories. * Physical examination, including rheumatology evaluation and other consultations as medically indicated (e.g., dermatology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, imaging studies). * Blood samples for analysis of red and white blood cell counts, liver function, immune hormones, and antibody and autoantibody levels, white blood cell growth and function, and DNA. * Urinalysis and urine pregnancy testing for female patients of childbearing age. * Evaluation and treatment of active infections as medically indicated, including biopsies, buccal swabs, pulmonary function tests, and imaging studies. * Follow-up visits will take place approximately every 12 months or more frequently if indicated, and will continue for a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 10 years. * Evaluations at follow-up will include blood samples (i.e., CBC with differential, biochemical profile, HIV testing, etc.) and urinalysis and rheumatology consults.


Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study investigates Idiopathic CD4+ Lymphocytopenia (ICL) — a rare, poorly understood condition where the immune system's CD4+ T-cells (the same cells targeted by HIV) fall to dangerously low levels without any apparent cause. Unlike HIV, ICL is not caused by a virus, and it is not contagious. Researchers want to understand what causes ICL and how it progresses over time. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years or older - You have a confirmed low CD4+ cell count (below 300 cells/µL or below 20% of total T cells) on at least two tests taken at least 6 weeks apart - You have ongoing care from a referring primary care physician - You are willing to allow storage of your blood and tissue samples for future analysis - Blood relatives (age 18+) of ICL patients and household contacts (age 18+) may also participate You may NOT be eligible if: - You are infected with HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-1, or HTLV-2 - You have another known immunodeficiency syndrome - You have an active malignancy (cancer) - You have recently taken medications or herbal supplements known to lower CD4+ counts Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Locations(1)

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

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NCT00867269


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