The Impact of Toxic Exposures on Vascular Autoantibodies in Lupus Associated Cardiovascular Disease

Date Added
April 10th, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00147299
Researcher
Helen Butler

List of Studies

Keywords
Cardiovascular, Lupus
Summary

The purpose of this study is to understand how exposure to harmful substances during military service may affect the health of Veterans with or without lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

We believe that Veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their military service may develop more harmful antibodies that attack the lining of their blood vessels. These antibodies may contribute to poorer blood vessel and heart health, and could contribute to the development of lupus.

This study aims to improve our understanding of how toxic military exposures may increase the risk of blood vessel complications in Veterans with and without lupus. Ultimately, this research may help identify new ways to better prevent, monitor, or treat cardiovascular disease in this population.

Research procedures for this study will include:

1. The study team will check subject medical records to gather information about medical history and medications being taking. The study team may continue to follow updates in the medical record.
2. Subjects will be given a survey to assess military and occupational toxic inhalant exposures.
3. Subjects will have a brief physical examination during which vitals will be recorded (height, weight, heart rate, respiration, temperature). Women of childbearing ages will be asked for the date of their last menstrual cycle within the past 2 months.
4. Subjects will have blood pressure taken three times three minutes apart.
5. Subjects will then provide a urine sample. Urine collection will occur in a private restroom using a sterile container provided by the study team. For women of childbearing ages, a pregnancy dipstick test will be undertaken on urine to confirm subjects are not pregnant.
6. Subjects will undergo a blood draw where approximately 4 teaspoons of blood will be drawn.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Helen Butler
7046540686
butlehel@musc.edu

The Impact of Skin Disease on Self-Reported Quality of Life and Psychosocial Health in Youth with Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Date Added
September 9th, 2025
PRO Number
Pro00142882
Researcher
Lara Wine Lee

List of Studies


Keywords
Children's Health, Lupus, Pediatrics, Skin
Summary

Cutaneous lupus is a common manifestation of childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE), affecting up to 85% of patients. Skin involvement can cause irritation, scarring, hair loss, changes in skin color and appearance, which may negatively impact quality of life and mental health. This study aims to assess the impact of cutaneous lupus on quality of life and mental health in diverse pediatric populations, with the goal of identifying disparities and improving individualized care. We will use validated surveys to assess disease burden on quality of life.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Courtney Rowley
843-792-9784
rowle@musc.edu

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Phase III Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Anifrolumab in Adults with Chronic and/or Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus who are Refractory and/or Intolerant to Antimalarial Therapy

Date Added
January 6th, 2025
PRO Number
Pro00139544
Researcher
Kimberly Hashemi

List of Studies

Keywords
Lupus, Skin
Summary

This is a Phase III, multicenter, multinational, operationally seamless 2-stage study. The study will be conducted in 2 stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2. Participants will take part in either Stage 1 or Stage 2.Each stage has a randomized, 24-week double-blind, placebo controlled study period (Week 0 to Week 23), to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a SC treatment regimen of anifrolumab (120 mg, once weekly dosing) in adult participants with chronic and/or subacute CLE. The primary endpoint will be assessed at Week 24. The doubleblind, placebo-controlled study period of 24 weeks will be followed by an open-label, uncontrolled treatment period in which all participants will receive SC treatment with anifrolumab (120 mg, once weekly) from Week 24 to Week 51. After the open label treatment period, participants will enter a 12-week Safety Follow-up Period. The study will be performed in approximately 460 adult participants aged 18 to 70 years (inclusive). Stage 1 of the study is planned to be performed in approximately 100 participants (n ~ 50 per treatment arm). Stage 2 of the study is planned to be performed in approximately 360 participants (n ~ 180 per treatment arm).

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Jordan Gertz
843-876-3209
gertzj@musc.edu

A PHASE I, OPEN-LABEL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE SAFETY AND TOLERABILITY OF SUBCUTANEOUS ADMINISTRATION OF UMBILICAL CORD DERIVED - MESENCHYMAL STROMAL CELL THERAPY IN ADDITION TO STANDARD OF CARE AS A TREATMENT FOR ACTIVE SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Date Added
August 27th, 2024
PRO Number
Pro00136482
Researcher
Kathleen Maksimowicz-McKinnon

List of Studies

Keywords
Autoimmune disease, Drug Studies, Lupus
Summary

The goal of this study is to determine if an investigational product (a substance not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration) made from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and taken as a single subcutaneous injection, is safe and well tolerated in individuals with active lupus while also receiving standard of care treatment for their lupus.

The MSCs used in this trial are cells that were obtained from the umbilical cords of healthy donors having an elective Caesarean section and who have been screened to be sure that they are free of any infectious diseases.

Participation in the study will take about 13 visits and 2 telephone calls over a period of approximately 80 weeks or 1.5 years. With participation, compensation is available.

At study visits you will have blood and urine labs collected, physical exam/lupus specific assessments, and be asked to complete a questionnaire. These procedures are much like those completed at your routine standard of care visits with your rheumatologist.

The risks to study participation are that only a few hundred people worldwide have been treated with MSCs. So far, there have been no serious side effects when MSCs have been used. Potential risks could however include an allergic reaction to the cells, development of infection, or MSCs changing into cancer cells.

Prior to any use of the MSC injection, participants will have a thorough review of the study and given an opportunity to consider their options and have all questions/concerns answered. A screening visit will be completed to ensure that participation is appropriate - participant safety is a priority of the study.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Stephanie Dezzutti
843-792-8997
brays@musc.edu

A Phase 2a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Multicenter Trial of VIB4920 for Active Lupus Nephritis

Date Added
March 7th, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00126501
Researcher
Diane Kamen

List of Studies


Keywords
Autoimmune disease, Drug Studies, Immune System, Inflammation, Kidney, Lupus
Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if the investigational (not FDA approved) drug VIB4920 can be an effective treatment for patients with active Lupus Nephritis (LN).

This study will compare treatment with MMF (mycophenolate mofetil), Prednisone, plus the study medication VIB4920 to treatment with MMF and Prednisone alone.

Participants will have up to 15 scheduled visits that will involve routine monitoring of disease activity, up to two kidney biopsies, and blood and urine specimen collections. Participation in this study will last approximately 1 year and 2 months. Compensation is available for participation.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Stephanie Dezzutti
843-792-8997
brays@musc.edu

Social factors, epigenomics, and lupus in African American women (SELA)

Date Added
August 17th, 2021
PRO Number
Pro00112945
Researcher
Diane Kamen

List of Studies


Keywords
Autoimmune disease, Environmental Factors, Ethnicity and Disease, Genetics, Healthy Volunteer Studies, Lupus, Minorities, Women's Health
Summary

The goal of this study is to understand how positive and negative social experiences affect epigenetic marks and gene function, and thereby influence lupus in African American women. This study requires one study visit to answer a few questionnaires and donate a blood sample. We are looking for volunteers with and without lupus to participate. For more information on the study details please click this link https://musc.co/sela. Compensation is available.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Lusawasra King
843-792-7645
kinglu@musc.edu

Pilot Trial of Belimumab in Early Lupus

Date Added
February 9th, 2021
PRO Number
Pro00104939
Researcher
Melissa Cunningham

List of Studies


Keywords
Drug Studies, Lupus
Summary

This is a study looking at the effects of Belimumab, a medication approved by the FDA to treat lupus, in people who have been recently diagnosed with lupus. It proposes that the early use of Belimumab may prevent long-term tissue damage from the disease. The study will last 2 years with clinic visits every 4 weeks.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Emma Hatch
843-792-4296
hatchem@musc.edu

Observational Study for Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases: The CARRA Registry

Date Added
November 3rd, 2015
PRO Number
Pro00048606
Researcher
Natasha Ruth

List of Studies


Keywords
Arthritis, Autoimmune disease, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Pediatrics, Rheumatoid, Sarcoidosis, Scleroderma
Summary

The purpose of this study is to create and maintain a registry, which is a database (a searchable collection of information) about children, adolescents and young adults with pediatric onset of rheumatic diseases. This data may help in the evaluation of the safety and benefit of medications that are prescribed to patients who have rheumatic diseases.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Susannah Wakefield
843-792-8317
wakefies@musc.edu

The Core Center for Clinical Research, Improving Minority Health in Rheumatic Diseases

Date Added
January 15th, 2013
PRO Number
Pro00021985
Researcher
James Oates

List of Studies


Keywords
Autoimmune disease, Environmental Factors, Ethnicity and Disease, Genetics, Healthy Volunteer Studies, Lupus, Minorities, Rare Diseases, Scleroderma, Vasculitis
Summary

Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus; SLE), Systemic Sclerosis (scleroderma; SSc) and Systemic Vasculitis (SV) are relatively rare rheumatic diseases that disproportionately impact the African American community, and particularly African American women. The causes of lupus, scleroderma and vasculitis are unknown, but thought to include both genetic and environmental factors. We are enrolling lupus, scleroderma, and vasculitis patients, and healthy control subjects. This is not a drug study. The purpose of this study is to better understand the factors that predispose people to develop lupus, scleroderma, and vasculitis. Information about medical, social and family history, medications, physical exam findings, and laboratory tests will be collected for analysis. This study will involve approximately 1360 volunteers.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Veronica Thompson-Lim
843-792-4296
thomvero@musc.edu



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