Tracking iron rims around MS lesions over time
Longitudinal Assessment of Iron Rims in White Matter MS Lesions as a Marker of Disability
This project will test whether genetic differences predict which people with MS develop iron rims around white matter lesions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nottingham) |
| Trial ID | NCT05123443 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study follows a cohort of MS patients who had susceptibility-weighted brain MRI scans between 2008 and 2012 and combines those historic images with new ultra-high-field (7T) and 3T MRI to track iron rim lesions over time. Participants provide blood samples for genotyping to look for genetic variants that might influence the formation or persistence of iron rim lesions. The team will correlate lesion evolution with clinical disability and disease progression measures to see whether iron rims predict a more severe course. Johns Hopkins collaborators and Nottingham University Hospitals will use standardized imaging reads and longitudinal clinical data to analyze lesion dynamics and genetic associations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (≥16) with a confirmed MS diagnosis who have an existing susceptibility-weighted brain MRI from 2008–2012 and are willing to provide a blood sample and attend a 7T MRI visit.
Not a fit: Patients without prior susceptibility-weighted MRI scans, those unable to undergo 7T MRI, or those unwilling or unable to consent are unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify patients at higher risk of disease progression earlier, enabling more personalized monitoring and treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cross-sectional studies have linked iron rim lesions to progressive MS, but large longitudinal cohorts and genetic linkage studies are limited, making this approach partly supported but still novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women aged above 16 years * Clinical diagnosis of MS as per revised McDonald Criteria 2017 * Existing susceptibility-weighted brain MRI scan * Able to provide blood samples Exclusion Criteria: * Unwilling or unable to comply with the requirements of this protocol including the presence of any condition (physical, mental or social) that, in the opinion of the PI, is likely to affect the participants ability to comply with the study protocol. * Unable to provide informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Nottingham
- Nottingham University NHS Trust — Nottingham, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ryan Mamun
- Email: Ryan.Mamun1@nhs.net
- Phone: +447490225520
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.