Using blood extracellular vesicles to predict recovery after stroke and brain injury

Evaluation of Predictive Circulating Biomarkers for Rehabilitation Recovery in Ischemic and Haemorrhagic Stroke Patients: From Lacunar Stroke to Vascular Severe Brain Injury

Observational Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus · NCT06871800

This study is trying to see if certain markers in blood can help predict how well people will recover after a stroke or serious brain injury.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Florence and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06871800 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the predictive capacity of biomarkers associated with blood-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) for anticipating recovery in patients after stroke and vascular severe brain injury (vSBI). By utilizing an optimized Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging (SPRi) biosensor, the study will assess various cell-derived families of EVs to understand their role in neuroinflammation, neuronal regeneration, and angiogenesis. The research will also investigate the correlation between EV biomarkers and rehabilitation outcomes, as well as their potential to identify patients at risk for healthcare-associated infections. Blood samples will be collected from eligible patients to analyze these biomarkers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or those requiring rehabilitation after vascular severe brain injury within specified timeframes.

Not a fit: Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral venous thrombosis, or other significant neurological or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide early objective biomarkers to better predict recovery trajectories for patients after stroke and brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of extracellular vesicles as biomarkers is a growing field, this specific approach to predicting recovery after stroke and brain injury is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Disability deriving from first ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke detected by MRI or CT scan
* Time from stroke onset or rehabilitation admission less than 1 month (for stroke) 3 months (for vSBI)
* Need of inward rehabilitation
* Signed informed consent by patient or legal representative

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subarachnoid haemorrhage
* Cerebral venous thrombosis
* Other previous neurological or psychiatric conditions
* Autoimmune diseases
* Previous severe and chronic infections conditions (e.g. tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS)
* Neoplasms or other malignant conditions
* Immunomodulatory medications (immunosuppressants).

Where this trial is running

Florence and 2 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 StrokeVascular Severe Brain InjuryRehabilitationstrokebrain injurybiomarkersbiosensorresponse to treatment
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.