Glycosylated ferritin testing for adult Still's disease and macrophage activation syndrome
Glycosylated Ferritin in Differential Diagnosis of Still's Disease, Sepsis and Other Macrophagic Activation Syndromes.
This study will test whether measuring the glycosylated portion of ferritin helps diagnose adult-onset Still's disease and macrophage activation syndrome in adults with high ferritin or suspected sepsis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brugmann University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brussels) |
| Trial ID | NCT02143986 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational study collecting serum from adults with suspected HLH/macrophage activation syndrome or adult-onset Still's disease and from control groups with sepsis, autoimmune inflammation, hepatic necrosis, or hematologic malignancy. The study measures the percentage of glycosylated ferritin and characterizes ferritin glycoforms, including mass spectrometry analysis. Investigators will compare glycosylated ferritin levels and glycoform patterns between diagnostic groups to determine diagnostic performance. Results will be correlated with clinical and laboratory diagnostic criteria recorded by treating physicians.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with suspected macrophage activation syndrome/HLH, adult-onset Still's disease, unexplained hyperferritinemia, or clinical suspicion of severe sepsis are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with normal ferritin levels or those whose ferritin glycosylation is altered by unrelated conditions (for example severe liver disease or certain malignancies) may not benefit from this test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could help doctors more accurately distinguish HLH or adult Still's disease from other causes of very high ferritin, enabling faster, more targeted care.
How similar studies have performed: Prior reports have found glycosylated ferritin below 20% in adult Still's disease and HLH and the marker appears in some diagnostic criteria, but it has limitations and is not yet fully validated across diverse control conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Suspicion of sepsis, macrophagic activation syndrome, Still's disease or hyperferritinemia (malignant disease, hepatic cytolysis) Exclusion Criteria: * Normal ferritin level
Where this trial is running
Brussels
- Brugmann University Hospital — Brussels, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Francis Corazza, MD, PhD
- Email: francis.corazza@ulb.ac.be
- Phone: 32-2-4772506
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.