Exploring how the gut microbiome affects giant cell arteritis
Official title: Investigation of the Influence of the Human Microbiome on the Pathogenesis and Recurrence Probability in Giant Cell Arteritis
Run by University of Bonn · NCT06279065 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the bacteria in the gut might affect people with giant cell arteritis to see if they can find clues for better treatments.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Bonn Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 29, 2024 |
| Main results expected | February 18, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 9, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06279065 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with giant cell arteritis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic infections, major gastrointestinal surgeries, or other specified exclusions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the role of the human microbiome, particularly the gut microbiome, in the onset and progression of giant cell arteritis (GCA). It involves analyzing microbiome samples from patients diagnosed with GCA and healthy controls at the time of diagnosis and again after six months. The study aims to identify specific microbial communities that may influence the immune response related to GCA. By understanding these interactions, researchers hope to uncover potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new insights into the treatment and management of giant cell arteritis by targeting the microbiome.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of the microbiome in various diseases is being explored, this specific investigation into giant cell arteritis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • Diagnosis of Giant cell arteritis (only in one arm) Exclusion Criteria: * chronic infection (viral, fungi, bacteria) including human immunodeficiency viruses, Hepatitis B/C * acute infection with usage of antibiotics less then 90 days before screening * major gastro-intestinal surgery \<5 years from screening * gastro-intestinal bleeding \<90 days before screening * inflammatory bowel disease (confirmed bioptically) * bulimia or anorexia nervosa * adipositas (body mass index ≥ 40) * intake of high dosage of probiotics (\>10\^9 colony forming units per day) \<90 days before screening * not controlled Diabetes mellitus * Malignancy within one year (except for squamous skin - and basal skin carcinoma without metastasis, cervix carcinoma with curative surgery, Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) * known abuse of alcohol oder drugs.
Where it's running
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Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Department of Oncology, Haematology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn
Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Recruiting -
University Hospital Bonn
Bonn, Germany Recruiting
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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How optic nerve swelling changes after starting steroids in giant cell arteritis
This study tests how quickly the optic nerve sheath swelling decreases after starting glucocorticoids in people with newly diagnosed giant cell arteritis.
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Precision care for giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
This long-term observational project will follow adults with giant cell arteritis or polymyalgia rheumatica to see if regular imaging, eye exams, blood tests, and immune cell profiling can better predict aortic complications and steroid side effects over 5–10 years.
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Ultrasound lesions in temporal and axillary arteries and relapse risk in giant cell arteritis.
We will test whether lesions seen on ultrasound of the temporal and axillary arteries can predict relapse in people with giant cell arteritis.
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Understanding how Giant Cell Arteritis affects vision
This study is trying to understand how Giant Cell Arteritis affects vision in adults by comparing eye health in those with GCA-related vision problems to those with other causes of vision loss.
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Understanding biomarkers in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
This study is trying to find specific markers in the blood of people newly diagnosed with giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica to help doctors understand their disease better and create personalized treatment plans.
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Investigating a new imaging tracer for diagnosing giant cell arteritis
This study is testing a new imaging method called AzaFol-PET/CT to see if it can better diagnose giant cell arteritis in people aged 50 and older compared to the current standard method.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.