Clinical Trial: Steroid Treatment for Hypereosinophilic Syndrome

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Assessment of Glucocorticoid Responsiveness and Mechanisms of Resistance in Hypereosinophilic Syndromes

Brief Summary:

Background:

- Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a disorder in which the body has too many eosinophils (a type of white blood cell). Too many eosinophils in HES can cause damage to the heart, nerves, or skin. Certain drugs can help lower eosinophil counts to prevent tissue damage. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are used for initial therapy in this disorder. Although most people respond to prednisone, some people develop side effects from it, or do not respond very well to treatment. Better ways of determining the dose to give could help to decide on the best therapy for HES.

Objectives:

To determine whether a single-dose of prednisone can be used to predict which people with hypereosinophilia respond to treatment.
To study lack of response to steroid treatment in people with HES.

Eligibility:

Inclusion criteria:

Individuals with hypereosinophilic syndrome with high eosinophil counts.
Individuals who are willing to have blood drawn before and after getting steroids.

Exclusion criteria:

Individuals who are on more than 10mg of prednisone (or similar drug)
Individuals with hypereosinophilic syndrome who are on other medications that could interfere with the study
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding
Individuals who have a known gene mutation