The CACHE Study: Coronary Artery Care in HaEmophilia
This study, called CACHE, is looking into heart health in men with haemophilia. Haemophilia is a condition where blood doesn't clot properly. Historically, people with haemophilia have been less likely to die from heart disease, but doctors don't fully understand why. As treatments for haemophilia have improved, people are living much longer, making it important to understand their long-term heart risks. Researchers will use a special new CT scanner to take detailed pictures of the heart and its blood vessels. This scanner uses advanced technology to see tiny deposits and blockages (called plaques) that can lead to heart attacks. By comparing these images from men with and without haemophilia, the study hopes to uncover how haemophilia might affect heart disease. The findings could help improve heart care for people with haemophilia and potentially for everyone.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The CACHE study is all about understanding why people with haemophilia seem to have fewer heart problems than the general population. Haemophilia is a condition where your blood doesn't clot properly because you're missing important 'clotting factors'. In the past, people with haemophilia didn't live as long, but thanks to better treatments, many are now living full lives into old age. This is fantastic news, but it also means doctors need to understand how other health issues, like heart disease, might affect them as they get older.
Heart disease is a major problem worldwide, but for some reason, people with haemophilia have historically been about 40% less likely to die from it. Researchers aren't sure why this is. Could it be that their blood, which clots less, might actually protect their hearts from blockages? Or is it something else? This study aims to find out exactly what's happening inside their blood vessels.
To do this, the study will use a very advanced type of CT scanner, the first of its kind in the UK. This special scanner can take incredibly detailed pictures of your heart and the blood vessels surrounding it. It can even show the tiny fatty deposits (called plaques) that build up in blood vessels over time. These plaques can narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow, or even burst, leading to a heart attack. By looking closely at these plaques in men with haemophilia and comparing them to men without the condition, the study hopes to discover how haemophilia affects heart health. The ultimate goal is to find new ways to prevent and treat heart disease, not just for people with haemophilia, but potentially for everyone.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to understand heart health in men with haemophilia.
- It uses a new, advanced scanner to take detailed pictures of heart vessels.
- We want to find out why haemophilia might protect against heart disease.
- The findings could help improve heart disease prevention for everyone.
- Only men aged 45 and over with haemophilia A or B can take part.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for men aged 45 or older. You would need to have either Haemophilia A or Haemophilia B, with your clotting factor levels (Factor VIII or IX) being less than 40%.
To join, you must be able to understand the study and give your permission to take part. You also need to be willing and able to come in for the required scans and tests.
Unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to join if you can't understand English, or if you have certain medical conditions that would make the CT scans unsafe for you. This includes kidney problems or any known allergies to the dye used in CT scans. The study team will check for any other health issues that might affect the results.
- Are you a man?
- Are you 45 years old or older?
- Do you have Haemophilia A or B, with low clotting factor levels (Factor VIII/IX below 40%)?
- Are you able to understand English and provide your consent to participate?
- Are you able and willing to attend for a CT scan and other study tests?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll have an initial appointment where you'll sign consent forms and the team will check if you meet all the study requirements. You'll then have a special heart scan using a new type of CT scanner. This scan will take detailed pictures of your heart and blood vessels. You might also have some blood tests. The medical team will explain everything and make sure you're comfortable. While the exact number of visits isn't specified, it's likely to involve at least one main visit for the scans and possibly follow-up appointments. The total duration of your participation will depend on the study design, but generally, these types of observational trials involve a limited number of visits over a shorter period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustOxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is haemophilia?
Haemophilia is a genetic condition where your blood doesn't clot properly because you're missing specific proteins called clotting factors.
What is a CT scan?
A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, in this case, your heart and blood vessels.
Will I get my scan results?
The study team will discuss with you how individual results will be shared, if at all. The main aim is to gather information for research.
Does taking part affect my regular medical care?
No, your decision to take part or not, or to withdraw, will not affect your usual medical care or relationship with your doctors.
Is there any cost for me to participate?
No, all study-related tests and procedures are covered by the research study.
How to find out more
Susie Shapiro
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.