Evaluating skin lesions in patients with various types of vasculitis

Clinical Transcriptomics in Systemic Vasculitis (CUTIS)

Observational University of Pennsylvania · NCT03004326

This study is testing how skin lesions from different types of vasculitis look under a microscope to help doctors better understand and treat these conditions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages5 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations10 sites (Los Angeles, California and 9 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03004326 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multi-center observational study focuses on patients with cutaneous manifestations of different forms of vasculitis. It aims to evaluate the histopathology and transcriptome of skin lesions through punch biopsies taken from active sites. Dermatologists and primary care providers will collaborate to ensure optimal patient selection and lesion sampling. The study seeks to standardize the characterization of cutaneous vasculitis to enhance understanding and treatment approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with active cutaneous lesions related to specific types of vasculitis such as Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, Drug-induced vasculitis, and Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Not a fit: Patients under five years old or those at high risk for biopsy complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with cutaneous vasculitis.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is observational and builds on existing knowledge, similar studies have shown promise in understanding vasculitis through histopathological evaluation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Have a cutaneous lesion (purpuric macules, palpable purpura, retiform purpura, nodules, ulcers, or urticarial) believed to be related to active vasculitis
* Have a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of:

  * Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV)
  * Drug-induced vasculitis
  * Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)
  * IgA vasculitis
  * Isolated cutaneous vasculitis
  * Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)
  * Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)
  * Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)
  * Urticarial vasculitis
* Be willing and able to provide written informed consent (or assent for those under

Exclusion Criteria:

* You are less than five years old
* Considered not to be a candidate for a biopsy or have a higher risk of developing an infection, bleeding, etc., from the biopsy, or a doctor believes that the risks for you participating in this study do not outweigh the potential benefit of learning information from your biopsy
* You have a neutrophil count (type of white blood cell) less than 1500/mm3, platelet count less than 50,000/mm3, or a hemoglobin less than 7 g/dL
* You have an uncontrolled disease that could prevent you from completing the study procedures
* You have an active infection at or near the potential biopsy site, have poor circulation, or have bony prominence or other structure that would increase your risk of complications if you participated in this study
* You are pregnant or nursing
* You are not able to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 9 other locations

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 Cryoglobulinemic VasculitisDrug-induced VasculitisEosinophilic Granulomatosis With PolyangiitisIgA VasculitisIsolated Cutaneous VasculitisGranulomatosis With PolyangiitisMicroscopic PolyangiitisPolyarteritis Nodosa
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.