Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young: Revealing the Etiology, Triggers, and Outcome

The SECRETO study is investigating why some younger adults (18-49 years old) have strokes when doctors can't find a clear reason, often called 'cryptogenic strokes'. These strokes can cause long-term problems. The study aims to uncover what might cause these strokes, such as specific triggers, risk factors, or even genetic links. It will also look at how patients recover and their chances of having another stroke. By comparing people who have had these strokes with healthy individuals, researchers hope to improve understanding, diagnosis, and future treatments for this group of patients. The results could lead to better ways to prevent and manage strokes in younger people.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

SECRETO Study Consortium

Enrolment target

1,200

Start

01 Nov 2013

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2031

Brain Infarction Ischemic Stroke Thrombosis Foramen Ovale, Patent

What is this study about?

Imagine waking up one day and experiencing a stroke, but doctors can't pinpoint why it happened. This is called a 'cryptogenic stroke', and it's a big problem for younger adults because it can lead to lasting difficulties and uncertainty. This study, called SECRETO, wants to understand these strokes better. It's like a big detective mission to find the missing puzzle pieces that explain why they occur in people between 18 and 49.

The researchers are particularly interested in things like a common heart condition called PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale), where there's a small opening between the upper chambers of the heart that didn't close properly after birth. While many people have a PFO and are perfectly healthy, they want to see if it plays a role in these strokes. They'll also be looking at other potential triggers, different blood conditions, and even a person's genetic makeup to see if there are any hidden clues.

The main goal of SECRETO is to figure out what causes these strokes, what factors might increase a person's risk, and how people fare over time. The information gathered from this study could be incredibly important. It might help doctors identify people at higher risk sooner, develop new ways to prevent these strokes, and ultimately improve the long-term health and well-being of young adults who experience them.

Key takeaways

SECRETO is a global study investigating unexplained strokes in young adults (18-49).
It aims to find stroke causes, triggers, and predict long-term outcomes.
Researchers will look at blood conditions, heart issues like PFO, and genetics.
The study compares stroke patients with healthy volunteers.
It could lead to better diagnosis, prevention, and care for young stroke survivors.
Participation helps advance medical understanding significantly.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two groups of people: patients and healthy volunteers. If you've recently had your first stroke where doctors couldn't find a clear cause, and you're between 18 and 49 years old, you might be able to join the patient group. To make sure you're a good fit, doctors would have already carried out a full set of tests, including brain scans, heart checks, and blood tests, soon after your stroke.

However, you wouldn't be able to join the study if certain important tests weren't completed within a specific timeframe after your stroke. Also, if your stroke was caused by something else that's clear, like a bleeding issue, or if you have another serious illness like cancer or multiple sclerosis that might affect the study results, you unfortunately wouldn't be eligible. It's also important that you can attend follow-up appointments and give your consent to take part.

Healthy volunteers, also aged 18 to 49, are needed too. For them, the main requirement is that they have not had a stroke before. They will be carefully matched with patients based on their age and sex to help the researchers compare results fairly.

Quick self-check

Are you between 18 and 49 years old?
Have you had your first stroke, and doctors couldn't find a clear cause?
Were a full set of medical tests done soon after your stroke?
Do you not have another serious illness like cancer or multiple sclerosis?
Are you able to attend follow-up appointments if needed?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, whether as a patient or a healthy volunteer, you'll be one of many people from around the world taking part. For patients, the study will involve reviewing the results of the tests you had after your stroke, such as brain scans (MRI), heart tests (echocardiography, ECG), and detailed blood tests. Researchers might also look at new blood samples to check for specific markers and discuss your health history, including any family history of blood clotting problems. Healthy volunteers will also have some tests to make sure they haven't had a stroke and might have blood samples taken. The study will follow patients over time to see what their recovery looks like and if they experience any new health events. The exact number of visits or the total duration isn't specified, but it involves reviewing existing test results and potentially new samples, alongside follow-up for patients.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research studies like SECRETO has potential benefits. You would be contributing to an improved understanding of strokes in young adults, which could lead to better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for future patients. While there isn't a direct personal benefit like receiving a new treatment, your participation helps advance medical knowledge significantly. Any potential risks are generally minimal, mostly related to having blood samples taken, which might cause slight discomfort or bruising. All tests and procedures are standard medical practices. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this decision will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (19)

Tartu University Hospital
Tartu, Estonia
Helsinki University Central Hospital
Helsinki, Finland
Kuopio University Hospital
Kuopio, Finland
Oulu University Hospital
Oulu, Finland
Tampere University Hospital
Tampere, Finland
Turku University Central Hospital
Turku, Finland
Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University Medicine
Greifswald, Germany
"Attikon" Hospital, University of Athens, School of Medicine
Athens, Greece
University of Brescia
Brescia, Italy
Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova
Reggio Emilia, Italy
Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu klinikos
Vilnius, Lithuania
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre
Nijmegen, Netherlands

+7 more sites — see the official record for the full list.

Common questions

What is a 'cryptogenic stroke'?

It's a stroke where doctors have done many tests but still can't find a clear reason why it happened.

Why is this study only for younger adults?

Strokes in younger adults are less common and often have different causes than strokes in older people. This study focuses on understanding these specific cases.

What is a PFO and why is it important?

PFO is a small hole in the heart that didn't close after birth. While common, researchers want to see if it's linked to these unexplained strokes.

Will I get any special treatment if I join?

This study is focused on understanding the causes of stroke, not on providing new treatments. You'll continue to receive your usual medical care.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study involves looking at your medical history and test results. For patients, there will be follow-up over time, but the exact duration isn't specified.