MedTrace Logo

Cause of Unexplained Anaphylaxis

NCT00719719 · Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 115

Last updated 2026-05-01

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study will explore the possible cause of unexplained, or idiopathic, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a rapid, life-threatening, severe reaction that occurs suddenly after contact with an allergy-causing substance, usually a particular food, drug or stinging insect. The allergen triggers mast cells to release several substances, including histamine. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms that may occur, such as flushing, hives, swelling of the palms and soles or tongue and vocal cords, nasal congestion, itching and tearing of the eyes, shortness of breath and wheezing, stomach pain, vomiting, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, shock, and, rarely, death. Severe episodes of anaphylaxis are treated with epinephrine (adrenaline), followed by oral antihistamines and steroids. In more than half of cases of anaphylaxis, a clear cause is not identified. These cases are called idiopathic anaphylaxis. There is no cure or long-term preventive therapy for patients with recurrent episodes of idiopathic anaphylaxis.

People between 13 and 70 years of age who have idiopathic anaphylaxis, or have anaphylaxis that is caused by specific allergens such as food, venom, or drugs and medications may be eligible for this study.

Participants are evaluated at the NIH Clinical Center with the following tests and procedures:

* Medical history, physical examination and blood tests.
* Bone marrow biopsy. For this test, the skin over the hipbone and the outer surface of the hipbone itself are numbed with local anesthesia. Then, a needle is inserted into the hipbone and a small amount of bone marrow is drawn into a syringe. The needle also cuts a small core of bone marrow, which is removed for analysis.
* Other tests that may be needed for evaluation of the patient s condition.

Conditions

  • Idiopathic Anaphylaxis
  • Drug Anaphylaxis
  • Venom Anaphylaxis
  • Food Anaphylaxis

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

    lead NIH

Principal Investigators

  • Melody C Carter, M.D. · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Eligibility

Min Age
13 Years
Max Age
75 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2008-11-05

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT00719719 on ClinicalTrials.gov