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NOT YET RECRUITING
NCT07341386
PHASE4

Prevention of Recurrence of Herpes Simplex in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Sponsor: University of Sao Paulo General Hospital

View on ClinicalTrials.gov

Summary

The goal of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral suppressive therapy with acyclovir in preventing herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) who have a history of recurrent HS episodes. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does continuous oral acyclovir reduce the frequency of HSV reactivation in ARD patients compared to placebo? What is the safety profile of prolonged acyclovir use in this population? What are the main risk factors (clinical and treatment-related) associated with HSV reactivation in immunosuppressed patients. Participants will: Be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive oral acyclovir (400 mg BID) or placebo for 12 months; Be followed for a total of 24 months, with regular clinical evaluations (every 3 months) and laboratory monitoring (every 3 months); Be assessed for HSV recurrence based on clinical symptoms, detection of HSV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in mucocutaneous swabs in doubtful cases, and standardized reporting forms; Undergo disease activity assessments and adverse event monitoring at regular intervals. The study includes adult and pediatric patients with confirmed diagnoses of one of the following ARDs: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM), systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic vasculitis, primary Sjögren's syndrome, Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), Sarcoidosis and Behçet's Syndrome. All participants must have a documented history of recurrent HSV (oral and/or genital) before inclusion.

Official title: Prevention of Recurrence of Herpes Simplex in Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Key Details

Gender

All

Age Range

12 Years - Any

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Enrollment

62

Start Date

2026-04-01

Completion Date

2028-04-01

Last Updated

2026-03-05

Healthy Volunteers

No

Interventions

DRUG

Acyclovir (ACV)

Oral acyclovir 400 mg twice a day for 12 months. Acyclovir is a synthetic nucleoside analog with in vitro activity against HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, and other herpesviruses.

OTHER

Placebo

Matching oral placebo, administered twice a day for 12 months.