Study of Eye Tissue for Sarcoidosis

NCT00001278 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: 91013991-EI-0139
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to develop a relatively simple, accurate method of diagnosing sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a disease in which granulomas (nodules of inflamed tissue) develop in various organs, such as the lungs, liver, skin and eyes. Disease symptoms vary depending on the tissues involved. Many patients develop uveitis (eye inflammation). Tissue biopsy-often a costly and difficult invasive procedure-is currently the only definitive diagnostic test for sarcoidosis. Other tests, such as blood and urine tests, do not provide definitive results. Patients with uveitis that is 1) known to be due to sarcoidosis; 2) suspected to be due to sarcoidosis based on specific diagnostic criteria; and 3) known not to be due to sarcoidosis may be enrolled in this study. Participants will undergo an eye examination, blood tests, chest X-ray, and skin test for tuberculosis and other infections. Small tissue samples from the conjunctiva (the thin lining covering the outside of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and the lacrimal (tear) gland will be taken after the eye is numbed with anesthetic drops and injection. Investigators will examine and compare levels of certain proteins in the biopsied tissues from the three patient groups to see if elevated levels of these substances may indicate granuloma formation. Development of a new, relatively simple diagnostic test for sarcoidosis based on these findings may permit doctors to start appropriate therapy earlier in the course of disease without invasive biopsy.

Conditions

Sarcoidosis

Keywords

Conjunctival Biopsy; Lacrimal Gland Biopsy; Sarcoid Uveitis; Sarcoidosis; Conjunctiva; Inflammatory Eye Disease

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Biopsy proven sarcoidosis with intraocular inflammatory eye disease.
• Intraocular inflammatory eye disease with suspected sarcoidosis based on age, race and characteristic granulomatous intraocular inflammation.
• Inflammatory eye disease of a known etiology other than sarcoidosis.
• Age greater than 18 years.
• Can not have known bleeding diathesis, ocular infection, known allergy to local anesthetic agent or current treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or vision worse than 20/400 in either eye.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Eye Institute (NEI): lead

Study Sites (1)

National Eye Institute (NEI)

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

Location

Related Publications (2)

• Chan CC, Wetzig RP, Palestine AG, Kuwabara T, Nusenblatt RB. Immunohistopathology of ocular sarcoidosis. Report of a case and discussion of immunopathogenesis. Arch Ophthalmol. 1987 Oct;105(10):1398-402. doi: 10.1001/archopht.1987.01060100100036.

  PMID: 3478042 BACKGROUND

• Moller DR, Konishi K, Kirby M, Balbi B, Crystal RG. Bias toward use of a specific T cell receptor beta-chain variable region in a subgroup of individuals with sarcoidosis. J Clin Invest. 1988 Oct;82(4):1183-91. doi: 10.1172/JCI113715.

  PMID: 2459159 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sarcoidosis

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Lymphoproliferative Disorders; Lymphatic Diseases; Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Hypersensitivity; Immune System Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Sponsor Type: NIH

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 3, 1999
• First Posted: December 10, 2002
• Study Start: May 1, 1991
• Study Completion: April 1, 2001
• Last Updated: March 4, 2008

Record last verified: 2000-05

Locations

US (1)