Investigating the use of steroids for treating childhood brain artery conditions
FOcal Cerebral Arteriopathy Steroids (FOCAS) Trial
This study is looking at whether giving corticosteroids right away can help prevent serious problems from focal cerebral arteriopathy in children, and it aims to find the best ways to treat this condition to keep kids healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11081691 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on focal cerebral arteriopathy of childhood (FCA), a serious condition that can lead to strokes in children. The study aims to determine whether immediate treatment with corticosteroids can prevent the progression of this condition, which can worsen rapidly. Given the challenges of conducting traditional trials in children, the research will explore alternative methods to assess the effectiveness of steroids in improving neurological outcomes. By understanding the best approach to treatment, the research seeks to provide clearer guidelines for managing this acute condition in pediatric patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are diagnosed with focal cerebral arteriopathy.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain injuries or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols that significantly enhance recovery outcomes for children affected by FCA.
How similar studies have performed: While corticosteroids are commonly used in various inflammatory conditions, this specific approach for FCA is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fullerton, Heather J — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Fullerton, Heather J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.