Clinical Research Trials

Familial Intracranial Aneurysm (FIA) Study

The Familial Intracranial Aneurysm (FIA) study is a collaborative effort of physicians from throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to identify genes that may be important in the development of aneurysms in the blood vessels of the brain. The FIA Study, is the largest study of the genetics of brain aneurysm in the world (currently more than 540 families). The study has made tremendous contributions to our understanding of why and in whom brain aneurysms form. This study of affected families is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

To be eligible to participate in this study, families must have two or more affected pairs of siblings (brothers/sisters) or 3 or more family members affected with intracerebral aneurysms. Participants are asked to complete a family history questionnaire and a medical history questionnaire. They also have their blood pressure measured and give a small sample of blood. In addition, certain family members are offered the opportunity to undergo a Magnetic Resonance Angiography MRAShort for magnetic resonance angiography. MRA is a painless, non-invasive procedure that uses radio waves and a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed images of blood vessels. Sometimes an injected contrast dye is used. (a non-invasive diagnostic test) to look for undiagnosed brain aneurysms.

FIA I enrollment was completed in July 2007. Analysis of the genetic results is on-going and will be released in the spring of 2008. The study investigators have submitted to the National Institutes of Health for a continuation of the grant for an additional five years. This opportunity will allow for the enrollment of 300 additional families and 1200 persons with an intracranial aneurysm but no family history. These additional families and people without a family history will allow the study to replicate the genetic findings of FIA I, and to determine if the genetic findings are also present in people without a family history. You can follow the progress of this very important study, as well as the latest findings at the study website www.FIAStudy.org.

“GIANT” Trial

The Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery is conducting a study on the genetics of intracranial aneurysms called Genetics of Intracranial Aneurysm Trial (GIANT).Participation is easy and may be done entirely from your home. This study does not require a doctor’s visit or an appointment at Yale.
Participants will be sent a kit containing everything needed to be part of the study – clear and concise instructions, a consent form to sign and a special container to provide a saliva sample and a return mailer. No blood draw will be required.

This study is focused on identifying genes contributing to the formation and bleeding of brain aneurysms. The principal investigator, Dr Murat Gunel, and his team, have been conducting research into the causes of aneurysms for over a decade. The study is conducted under the auspices of the Yale University School of Medicine’s Human Investigation Committee. This study involves participants from both Finland and the US.
For further information on this study please contact Andrea Chamberlain at giant@yale.edu or 1-800-299-9528.

Other Current Research Studies

For more information on clinical trials in your area, please visit clinical trials.

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Trials Today on ResearchMatch is a quick and simplified way to search the thousands of studies available on ClinicalTrials.gov. Users only need to answer a few short questions to find a list of studies that may be of interest to them. Trials Today is a tool within ResearchMatch.org which is used to search for clinical trials, and is designed to help users figure out where to start in their research endeavors.