Analyzing tears in children with isolated syndrome to improve diagnosis

Detecting Oligoclonal Bands Through Isoelectric Focusing of Tears in Children With Radiologically Isolated Syndrome or Clinically Isolated Syndrome: a Diagnostic, Prospective, Multicentric Study With a 2-year Longitudinal Follow-up

NA · Lille Catholic University · NCT03979391

This study is testing whether analyzing tears can help doctors diagnose children with isolated syndrome and predict if they will develop multiple sclerosis, offering a less painful option than spinal taps.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorLille Catholic University (other)
Locations1 site (Lomme)
Trial IDNCT03979391 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic quality of tears in children diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) through a multicentric, prospective approach. By analyzing the presence of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in tears, the study seeks to provide a less invasive alternative to lumbar punctures, which are often distressing for pediatric patients. The research will involve longitudinal follow-up to assess the effectiveness of tear analysis in predicting the conversion to multiple sclerosis. This innovative approach could potentially change the way these conditions are diagnosed in children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children under 18 years old who have either clinically isolated syndrome or radiologically isolated syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with remitting or progressive multiple sclerosis, eye infections, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive and more accessible diagnostic method for early detection of multiple sclerosis in children.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on tear analysis in adults, this approach in children is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age \< 18 years old
* informed consent from the child and the parents (at least one of the two legal guardians)
* child covered by social security

For the RIS population:

* asymptomatic child
* fortuitous discovery of lesions strongly suggesting sclerosis multiple on a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

For the CIS population:

- child presenting a CIS in the past three months

Exclusion Criteria:

* patient with remitting MS
* patient with progressive MS
* patient with eye infection
* patient under immunosuppressive therapy on the day of inclusion due to the treatment of another disease than MS

Where this trial is running

Lomme

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Clinically Isolated Syndrome, Radiologically Isolated Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis in Children, Multiple Sclerosis, Children, Tear analysis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.