MedPath

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Gullah Health

Recruiting
Conditions
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Registration Number
NCT00756769
Lead Sponsor
Medical University of South Carolina
Brief Summary

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies, multiple organ involvement, and diverse clinical symptoms and immunologic manifestations. African Americans are at a disproportionately higher risk of developing SLE, develop SLE at an earlier age, and have increased morbidity and mortality compared with European Americans. Our central study hypothesis is that there are specific genetic factors that interact with environmental exposures leading to the development of SLE. The African American Gullah population from the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia are unique in their genetic homogeneity with minimal non-African genetic admixture, making them an ideal cohort to address questions of environmental and genetic influence on the development and progression of SLE.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
750
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age 2 years and above;
  • Self-identified as African-American "Gullah" from the Sea Island region of South Carolina;
  • Have had at least 4 of the 11 diagnostic criteria for SLE as designated by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), be a relative of a known SLE patient, or be an unrelated healthy Gullah control;
  • Ability to speak and understand English;
  • Ability and willingness to give informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • Race defined by participant as other than Black or African-American;
  • Being a prisoner, mentally ill patient, or institutionalized individual;
  • Unwilling or unable to give informed consent

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Medical University of South Carolina

🇺🇸

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath