Investigating the use of steroids for treating childhood brain artery conditions
Official title: FOcal Cerebral Arteriopathy Steroids (FOCAS) Trial
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11081691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,608,119 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS119702-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081691 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are diagnosed with focal cerebral arteriopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain injuries or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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.