Child/Adolescent Lupus: Understanding Etiology (CLUE) Study

Disease Area:
Lupus and Related Conditions (SLE/RC)

Biosample Status:
Biosample Available

About the CLUE Study

Past genetic studies of people with lupus have been limited to adults, with a small number of children, and have mostly included patients of European descent. The CLUE study hopes to cast a wide net using the CARRA Registry to include a wider age range, a more ethnically diverse population, and a larger scope of clinical features among children with lupus.

A greater understanding of genetics in lupus can also help provide better care to patients if doctors can provide more targeted and proactive treatments before lupus disease activity becomes severe. As many patients and healthcare providers are aware, the ability to diagnose and treat lupus early is a key factor in the long-term success of a patient.

Researchers want to learn:

• What role genes play in lupus. For example:
  • Which children are most likely to develop lupus
  • What age people with lupus first become sick
  • What organs are involved

Although this study is focused on lupus, having this information will allow for comparisons with other groups of patients, including those with other autoimmune diseases and even adults with lupus.

Study Updates and Findings

This study is ongoing and does not have public findings at this time.

About the Participants

• Children with lupus. Only children with an official diagnosis of SLE are added to the Registry.
• Willing to contribute blood samples. Enrolled lupus Registry participants will be asked to provide two tubes of blood samples at any regularly scheduled lab draw during a CARRA-related clinic visit.

About the Study Team

CLUE is funded through a CARRA-Arthritis Foundation Large Grant. The study is also sponsored in part by the Lupus and Allied Diseases Association.

Lead researchers:

• Linda Hiraki, MD, ScD, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children
• Laura Lewandowski, MD, National Institutes of Health

To learn more about this study, please contact [email protected].