Childhood Lupus Study Shows Benefits of Clinical Trials at Home

Update July 8, 2021: New Podcast

Listen to a new podcast with Dr. Stephen Balevic, Dr. Rachel Randell and Professor Laura Schanberg from Duke University as they discuss their experiences of the advantages and challenges of designing and implementing self-controlled clinical trials for pediatric lupus patients in a home setting.

Listen to the podcast

A study on medication adherence in childhood lupus followed a first-of-its-kind research approach, working virtually with families. This direct-to-family clinical trial revealed critical insights into family-centered teleresearch (research performed remotely). The research approach was used to examine medication adherence and whether an electronic pill bottle could help children and teens with lupus to remember to take their standard medications as well as dosing for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in childhood lupus.

Teleresearch facilitated quick trial recruitment and enrollment within just 10-days. Originally targeting 20 participants, the trial was expanded to 26 because of the high enrollment success, with other interested participants placed on a wait list. Other benefits of this approach were engagement, retention, cost-savings, and feasibility.

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) supported this study, and members of LFA’s Education Committee helped guide the development of the study.

Direct-to-family trials are an innovative and unique way to address the many challenges in lupus clinical trials. The LFA will follow and continue to report on this research approach. Learn more about optimizing clinical trials in lupus research.

Read the study