Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Gullah Health

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies, multiple organ involvement, and diverse clinical symptoms and immunologic manifestations. African Americans are at a disproportionately higher risk of developing SLE, develop SLE at an earlier age, and have increased morbidity and mortality compared with European Americans. Our central study hypothesis is that there are specific genetic factors that interact with environmental exposures leading to the development of SLE. The African American Gullah population from the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia are unique in their genetic homogeneity with minimal non-African genetic admixture, making them an ideal cohort to address questions of environmental and genetic influence on the development and progression of SLE.

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Key information

Conditions

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Autoimmune Diseases Connective Tissue Diseases Immune System Diseases Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

2 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Age 2 years and above;
Self-identified as African-American "Gullah" from the Sea Island region of South Carolina;
Have had at least 4 of the 11 diagnostic criteria for SLE as designated by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), be a relative of a known SLE patient, or be an unrelated healthy Gullah control;
Ability to speak and understand English;
Ability and willingness to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Race defined by participant as other than Black or African-American;
Being a prisoner, mentally ill patient, or institutionalized individual;
Unwilling or unable to give informed consent

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Diane L. Kamen, MD, MSCR

CONTACT

[email protected]

843-792-4825

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medical University of South Carolina

Other

Collaborators

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Registry information

Acronym: SLEIGH

Important dates

Study start: 2003
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2028
First posted: Sep 22, 2008
Registry last updated: Jul 28, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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