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Assessment of Complication Risk Factors in a French National Cohort of Asplenic Patients

In France, this study focuses on individuals who no longer have a working spleen, either because it was removed surgically, damaged by treatments like radiotherapy, or blocked by a procedure. The spleen is important for fighting infections, and its absence can lead to health risks like infections, cancer, and blood clots. This research aims to understand these complications better in French patients and to develop improved ways to check on their health over time. By looking at different causes of not having a working spleen, the study hopes to find out if certain groups have different risks and how best to care for them.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Poitiers University Hospital
Enrolment target
6,000
Start
09 Jan 2020
Estimated completion
01 Jan 2040

What is this study about?

This study is about people who don't have a working spleen. The spleen is an organ in your tummy that helps your body fight off infections. Sometimes, the spleen needs to be removed surgically, perhaps due to an injury, cancer, or another illness. Other times, the spleen might stop working properly because of treatments like radiotherapy or a procedure called splenic artery embolization, which blocks blood flow to the spleen. When the spleen isn't working, your body can be more vulnerable to certain health problems.

The main aim of this research is to understand the health issues that can affect people living without a working spleen. These can include a higher risk of serious infections, certain types of cancer, and blood clots. The study wants to keep track of these problems in French patients over time to see how often they happen and why. By gathering this information, researchers hope to get a clearer picture of these risks and how they develop.

Another important goal is to find better ways to monitor the health of patients without a working spleen. Currently, there aren't many good tests to check how well the spleen might still be working, even if it's been damaged. This study hopes to develop and test new tools that could help doctors keep a closer eye on these patients and provide them with the best possible care. This could lead to better ways to prevent complications and manage their health in the future.

Key takeaways

  • This is a French study looking at people without a working spleen.
  • It aims to understand health problems like infections, cancer, and blood clots.
  • The study wants to find better ways to monitor these patients' health.
  • It includes people whose spleen was removed or damaged by treatment.
  • The research hopes to improve care for all people living without a working spleen.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You must also not have a working spleen because it was removed (splenectomy), or because it was damaged by a procedure called splenic artery embolization, or by radiotherapy.

However, you cannot join the study if your lack of a working spleen is due to a genetic condition, such as sickle cell disease. The study is specifically looking at problems related to spleens that stopped working because of surgery or certain medical treatments.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Are you 18 years old or older?
  2. Was your spleen removed by surgery?
  3. Did your spleen stop working due to a procedure called splenic artery embolization?
  4. Did your spleen stop working due to radiotherapy?
  5. Is your lack of a working spleen NOT due to a genetic condition like sickle cell disease?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided does not detail what taking part will involve in terms of visits, assessments, medication, or the total duration. However, it mentions a 'prospective follow-up,' which means researchers will likely track participants' health over a period of time to observe any complications. This often involves regular check-ups, sharing medical records, and potentially some new tests aimed at understanding spleen function and immunity.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study always involves carefully weighing the pros and cons. A potential benefit of joining this study is that you would be contributing to valuable research that aims to improve care for people without a working spleen, potentially leading to better understanding and management of complications in the future. As the study focuses on observing existing complications and developing diagnostic tools, direct medical procedures with immediate risks are not specified. However, any new tests or procedures involved would be explained if you consider participating. You would have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (12)

  • C.H. d'Angoulême
    Verified postcode
    Angoulême, France· Recruiting
  • C.H. Victor Dupouy
    Verified postcode
    Argenteuil, France· Recruiting
  • C.H. de Béthune
    Verified postcode
    Béthune, France· Recruiting
  • Hôpitaux de Chartres
    Verified postcode
    Chartres, France· Recruiting
  • C.H.U. de Lille
    Verified postcode
    Lille, France· Recruiting
  • C.H.U. de Montpellier
    Verified postcode
    Montpellier, France· Recruiting
  • Hôtel-Dieu - CHU de Nantes
    Verified postcode
    Nantes, France· Recruiting
  • C.H.U. de Poitiers
    Verified postcode
    Poitiers, France· Recruiting
  • C.H.U. de Rouen
    Verified postcode
    Rouen, France· Not yet recruiting
  • C.H.U. de Toulouse
    Verified postcode
    Toulouse, France· Recruiting
  • C.H. de Tourcoing
    Verified postcode
    Tourcoing, France· Recruiting
  • C.H. de Valenciennes
    Verified postcode
    Valenciennes, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What does 'asplenia' mean?

Asplenia means that you don't have a working spleen. This can happen if it was removed or damaged.

Why is the spleen important?

The spleen helps your body fight off infections, especially from certain kinds of bacteria.

What types of health problems are they looking for?

The study is looking at serious infections, certain cancers, and blood clots that can be more common in people without a working spleen.

Will I get new treatments in this study?

The study aims to understand complications and develop better ways to monitor health, not to test new treatments.

How does this study help patients?

By understanding the risks better and finding improved ways to check on patients, the study hopes to lead to better care and prevention of health problems in the future.

How to find out more

Mathieu PUYADE, MD

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "Assessment of Complication Risk Factors in a French National…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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