A Longitudinal Study of Familial Hypereosinophilia (FE): Natural History and Markers of Disease Progression
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Summary
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. Elevated eosinophil levels can damage the heart, nerves, and other organs, in the syndrome known as hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Some individuals have a hereditary form of HES known as familial eosinophilia (FE). More research on the causation and mechanisms of HES is needed in order to design more effective and less toxic therapies. This study will investigate FE and its genetic causes, damage mechanisms, and disease markers (such as blood test abnormalities). It will enroll approximately 50 individuals (both adults and children) from a previously studied family with FE. This is a long-term study of indefinite duration. Participants will undergo yearly clinical examinations including medical history, physical examination, bloodwork, EKG, echocardiogram, and pulmonary function tests, with additional or more frequent examinations and tests as required. In addition, participants will donate blood and tissue for research purposes. Both adult and child participants will donate blood. At the initial evaluation, adult participants will donate bone marrow. During the study, some adult participants will also undergo a limited number of leukaopheresis sessions, in which blood is donated from one arm, the blood is separated into red blood cells and other components, and the red blood cells are returned into the donor's other arm.
Description
Study Description: Affected and unaffected members of families with familial hypereosinophilia (FE) will be enrolled and evaluated on this protocol. For affected family members, a thorough clinical evaluation will be performed with emphasis on potential sequelae of eosinophil-mediated tissue damage. Blood cells, bone marrow and/or serum will also be collected to provide reagents (such as DNA, RNA, and specific antibodies) for use in the laboratory to address issues related to the genetic and immunologic basis of FE as well as its pathogenesis. It is anticipated that affected family members wi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 1–100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study * Male or female, aged 1-100 years of age * Genetically related member of a previously identified family with FE * Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * Any condition that t…
Location
- National Institutes of Health Clinical CenterBethesda, Maryland