Actively Recruiting
Aging, Geriatric Syndromes and Clonal Hematopoiesis
Led by Washington University School of Medicine · Updated on 2026-05-12
2000
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
W
Washington University School of Medicine
Lead Sponsor
E
Edward P. Evans Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the relationship between aging, geriatric syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and clonal hematopoiesis, which involves mutations in blood-forming stem cells. They aim to understand how various clinical factors linked to aging, beyond just chronological age, affect these mutations and associated health conditions. This observational study uses geriatric assessments to capture a detailed view of an older adult's health, including comorbidities, medication use, physical function, cognition, mood, and social factors. Participants will complete several self-administered health assessments and undergo physical and cognitive tests such as gait speed and grip strength at the start and every six months until death. Blood samples and cheek swabs will be collected at baseline and periodically to study genetic mutations. Some participants may be asked to donate bone marrow or femur head samples, especially those undergoing hip replacement or experiencing trauma, with additional sample collections in trauma cases. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor participants regularly, assessing health through surveys, physical exams, and genetic testing. The primary outcomes include measuring mutation rates in blood stem cells, tracking geriatric syndromes and cardiovascular disease presence, and understanding how acute trauma affects mutation expansion. The study involves long-term follow-up, with evaluations approximately every six months, to observe changes and risks related to aging and blood cell mutations.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Aging, Geriatric Syndromes and Clonal Hematopoiesis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- At least 50 years of age
- Able to understand written and spoken English
- Able and willing to sign an IRB-approved informed consent document (or by a legally authorized representative for trauma cohort)
You will not qualify if you...
- Inability or unwillingness to complete health questionnaire (except hip replacement participants)
- Recent acute viral illness within 30 days
- Current cancer diagnosis with ongoing chemotherapy or radiation
- Current use of drugs that cause DNA damage for non-malignant diseases
- Vulnerable populations such as prisoners
- Known infection with Hepatitis B or C, HTLV, or HIV
- For bone marrow biopsy: use of blood thinners or allergy to local anesthetics
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete baseline assessments including cognitive tests, physical measurements, questionnaires, blood draws, and buccal swabs to evaluate health status and clonal hematopoiesis.
1 baseline visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 10 years
Participants complete follow-up assessments every 6 months including cognitive assessments, physical tests, questionnaires, blood draws, and buccal swabs to monitor health and clonal hematopoiesis until death.
Visits every 6 months
Duration - Single procedure if chosen
Participants may be approached to undergo an optional bone marrow biopsy for additional study data.
1 optional visit (in-person)
Duration - Single event
Participants undergoing hip replacement may donate their femur head for cell harvesting and DNA sequencing.
1 event (during hip replacement surgery)
Duration - Up to 8 weeks
Participants admitted for trauma provide blood samples at admission, weekly during inpatient stay, and once 4-7 weeks after discharge for monitoring clonal hematopoiesis expansion.
Multiple blood draws: admission, weekly inpatient, and 1 follow-up post-discharge
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, United States, 63110
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Meagan Jacoby, M.D.
K
Kristina Williams, B.S.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
5
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