RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Molecular Studies on Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia Families

This research focuses on Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, often called HHT. It's a condition where some blood vessels don't form correctly, leading to problems like nosebleeds or bleeding in other parts of the body. The study aims to find out which specific genes cause HHT. Scientists will examine the DNA of people with HHT and their family members who don't have the condition. By comparing their DNA, they hope to pinpoint the exact genetic changes responsible for HHT. This information is really important because understanding the genetic causes can help us develop better ways to diagnose HHT and potentially lead to new treatments in the future. It’s about building a clearer picture of this inherited condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Dec 1998

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2030

Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic

What is this study about?

This research study is trying to understand more about a condition called Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, or HHT. HHT is a condition that you inherit from your parents, meaning it runs in families. People with HHT have blood vessels that don't develop normally, which can cause them to bleed more easily, for example, with frequent nosebleeds or bleeding in other organs. Understanding exactly why these blood vessels form differently is a big step towards improving care for people with HHT.

The main goal of this study is to look closely at the genes of people affected by HHT. Genes are like instruction manuals for our bodies, and sometimes a small change in these instructions can lead to a condition like HHT. By comparing the genes of family members who have HHT with those who don't, researchers hope to find the specific genetic changes, or 'variants', that are causing the condition.

Finding these specific genetic changes is really important. It helps scientists understand the exact problem at a very basic level. This knowledge could eventually help doctors diagnose HHT more accurately or even lead to new ideas for treatments in the future. This study is all about gathering this fundamental information to help improve the lives of people with HHT.

Key takeaways

This study investigates the genetic causes of HHT.
It aims to improve understanding of this inherited condition.
Participation involves providing a DNA sample (blood or saliva).
No new treatments or regular visits are part of this study.
Your involvement helps advance HHT research for future patients.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be a member of a family where HHT affects at least one person. This means if HHT runs in your family, you might be able to take part.

However, there are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. The most important one is if you're not able or willing to give your 'informed consent'. This means you must understand what the study involves and agree to take part freely. If you're not able to understand or agree, then you wouldn't be able to participate. This study is open to both men and women of all ages.

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.

Is HHT present in my family?
Am I willing to provide a DNA sample?
Can I understand and agree to take part freely (give informed consent)?
Am I any age (adult or child)?
Am I male or female?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing you would be asked to do is provide a DNA sample. This usually means giving a small blood sample or a saliva sample, which is a very simple and quick process. This sample will then be used by the researchers to look at your genes.

There are no special visits, treatments, or follow-up appointments connected to this study itself. You won't be given any medication as part of this research, and there are no ongoing assessments. The study is focused just on analyzing your DNA sample. Once your sample is collected, your part in the study is generally complete.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is that you are helping scientists learn more about HHT. This information could eventually lead to better ways to diagnose and treat the condition for countless others. There are very few risks involved in this study; giving a blood sample is generally safe, with a small chance of bruising or discomfort at the injection site. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Imperial College Hammersmith Campus
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is HHT?

HHT, or Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, is a condition passed down in families that causes some blood vessels to form unusually, leading to easier bleeding, like frequent nosebleeds.

Why is this study looking at genes?

Genes contain the instructions for our body. By looking at genes, researchers hope to find the specific changes that cause HHT, which can help in diagnosis and finding new treatments.

Do I need to have HHT to take part?

You need to be part of a family where HHT is present, whether you have the condition yourself or not.

What will I have to do if I join?

You will mostly be asked to provide a DNA sample, usually from a small blood or saliva test. There are no other treatments or regular visits.

Will I get any results from my DNA sample?

The study aims to understand HHT more generally. While your DNA is studied, individual results are not typically given back to participants in this type of research.

How to find out more

Claire L Shovlin

c.shovlin@imperial.ac.uk 0208 383 1000 Official trial record

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