Do adults who carry one cystic fibrosis gene have higher risk of heat-related dehydration and electrolyte problems?

Exploring a Common Genetic Risk Factor for Heat Stroke and Dehydration

Observational University of Iowa · NCT06847256

This study will try to see if adults who carry one cystic fibrosis gene are more likely to get dehydrated or have electrolyte problems during heat exposure than similar adults without the gene.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Iowa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Iowa City, Iowa)
Trial IDNCT06847256 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will use an observational, genotyped cohort to estimate the excess risk of fluid-and-electrolyte disorders associated with being a CF carrier. Aim 1 will enroll 100 CF carriers and 100 age- and sex-matched controls to complete a questionnaire about medical history, race/ethnicity, and heat-related experiences. Aim 2 will invite a subset of 25 carriers and 25 matched controls to an in-person visit to complete the same survey and undergo a controlled heat challenge in a sauna. Outcomes focus on reported heat responses and physiologic evidence of dehydration or electrolyte disturbance attributable to carrier status.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults previously genotyped as CF carriers or as matched controls who can read and speak English and who meet the listed medical exclusion criteria are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with known cystic fibrosis, diabetes, significant cardiovascular disease, current pregnancy, those taking beta blockers or diuretics, prisoners, or those unable to give consent are excluded and unlikely to benefit directly from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could show that CF carrier status increases risk for heat-related dehydration and electrolyte problems, enabling targeted counseling and prevention for carriers.

How similar studies have performed: Some prior physiologic studies have suggested altered sweat and electrolyte handling in CF carriers, but controlled heat-challenge data in adults is limited, so this approach is relatively novel though grounded in earlier observations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Previously genotyped as a CF carrier or control
* Comfortable speaking/reading English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previously genotyped as a CF patient
* Diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
* History of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or atherosclerosis
* Currently pregnant
* Currently taking beta blockers or diuretics
* Prisoner status
* Unable to provide own written informed consent

Where this trial is running

Iowa City, Iowa

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.
Conditions Carrier StateHeat StrokeDehydration
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.