Understanding Multiple Sclerosis in the Three Rivers Region

Prospective Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis in the Three Rivers Region

University of Pittsburgh · NCT02994121

This study looks at how different factors affect the progression and treatment of multiple sclerosis in people over 30 years to help create better, personalized treatments.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment7500 (estimated)
Ages7 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh (other)
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT02994121 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the factors influencing the progression and treatment responses in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) over a 30-year period. Participants will undergo a variety of assessments, including questionnaires, biological sample collection, genetic analysis, cognitive assessments, neuroimaging, and biometric monitoring. The goal is to gather comprehensive data that will contribute to the development of precision medicine approaches for MS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 7 years or older with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or related disorders, as well as healthy controls without chronic diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with acute or unrelated chronic diseases may not benefit from participation in this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for patients with multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Other observational studies in multiple sclerosis have shown promise in understanding disease progression and treatment responses, indicating that this approach is supported by previous research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Inclusion criteria for MS patients include:

  1. Age 7 years or older
  2. Willing and able to provide consent (for \>=18 years) or assent with permission from at least one of the child's parents (for \<18 years)
  3. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or related disorders, including a first central nervous system demyelinating episode with a positive MRI scan or abnormal MRI scans characteristic of MS but no clinical symptoms of the disease
* For healthy controls:

  1. Age 7 years or older
  2. Willing and able to provide consent (for \>=18 years) or assent with permission from at least one of the child's parents (for \<18 years)
  3. No known personal history of multiple sclerosis or related disorders
  4. No other chronic diseases
  5. Family members, unrelated household controls, or controls from the general population could be eligible

There is no exclusion criteria.

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.