Active clinical trials for "Congenital Abnormalities"

This study compares the accuracy of fusion imaging (Fusion Roadmap) versus real-time X-ray imaging (Roadmap) during catheterization of supra-aortic trunks of in patients with aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations.

On April 2, 2012 the manufacturer of the Quicksite® and Quickflex® leads, St. Jude Medical, released a voluntary medical device advisory regarding these leads' potential for problems with the silicone insulation covering one end of the lead, where it meets another section of the lead which is coated with a different insulating material (polyurethane). There has been a voluntary suspension of sales of these leads. There are approximately 179,000 of the above leads implanted worldwide with an estimated 101,000 leads currently in service (59,000 in US). There have been 39 confirmed cases of the conductor portion of the lead becoming exposed from the silicone insulation (externalization), and the rate of occurrence of this type of problem is conservatively estimated at less than one percent. However, a review done by St. Jude Medical of returned Quicksite® and Quickflex® leads and available X-ray and fluoroscopic (x-ray movie) images of patients with these leads (from 1,219 patients) revealed a higher rate of 3-4%. It is presumed that there are patients whose leads have not yet been affected by this problem, but whose leads may show signs of structural changes on x-ray or fluoroscopy. This study seeks to determine what structural changes may be occurring in these leads, what signs might predict these changes, and what impact these changes may have on the lead and its performance.

Clinical oedema is seen after open heart surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia in children. The oedema formation is due to increased fluid transport from blood to tissue. This transcapillary fluid transport is dependent on differences in interstitial and plasma colloid osmotic pressure. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate changes in interstitial colloid osmotic pressure before, under and after the use of cardiopulmonary bypass in children. The study hypothesis is that oedema developed during cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia is caused by increased micro vascular protein leakage and reduced colloid osmotic pressure gradient through the capillary membrane.

Duke University Medical Center is investigating the hereditary basis of Chiari type I malformations with or without syringomyelia (CM1/S). Our research is aimed at learning if CM1/S is indeed caused by factors inherited through the family and, if so, which genes are involved.

This study will explore conditions caused by the absence of certain genes on chromosome 11. These conditions include WAGR syndrome, which is characterized by a kidney tumor called Wilm s tumor, aniridia (absence of the iris of the eye), genital and urinary abnormalities, mental retardation, and possibly other symptoms. This study will examine how the genes on chromosome 11 affect people and whether the absence of specific genes is associated with specific symptoms. Healthy normal volunteers, people with isolated aniridia, and people with WAGR or another chromosome 11 gene deletion may be eligible for this study. Participants must be at least 6 years old. Parents of patients may also participate for genetic studies. Participants undergo some or all of the following procedures, depending on whether they are a child, adult, healthy volunteer or parent of a patient: Medical history and physical examination, eye examination, blood, urine and saliva tests, electrocardiogram (EKG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) X-rays, scans and other tests to measure body composition (fat, muscle and bone development and thickness) and MRI to examine the eyes and the brain and to measure abdominal fat Ultrasound studies of the kidneys, ovaries and uterus (in females) and testes (in males) Meal tests, food diaries and food preference tests Questionnaires about eating and sleep habits, personality and character traits and responses to pain and injury Neuropsychological tests Tests of resting metabolic rate, energy expenditure and glucose (sugar) tolerance Hot and cold sensitivity tests, vibration sensitivity test, cold tolerance test and smell identification test Eye and hearing tests Nerve conduction studies and study of sensory information conduction from peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and brain Computer photography Evaluation by sub-specialists (e.g., endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, physiatrist, neurologist or others) as indicated by the patient s medical history and test results

Volumetry measurements can be a potential clinical use as non-invasive tools in prenatal diagnosis and screening and helps to reduce the risk and complications of invasive procedures. 3DUS volumetry gives more precise results than 2DUS volumetry measurements, particularly, of irregularly shaped objects.

The primary purpose of this study is to collect data on the incidence of congenital malformations in infants of women with an ongoing pregnancy after controlled ovarian stimulation with recombinant follicle stimulating hormone /ganirelix followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intra cytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI), and to compare this incidence with that of a group of women who used a long protocol with a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist as historical controls.

To confirm that a definitive diagnosis can be made from the tissue sample collected using the Intact BLES when defined radiology and pathology criteria are met.

This study will explore the medical problems in patients with VACTERL association and identify gene changes that might be responsible for them. VACTERL association can affect many parts of the body, including the bones of the spine, the heart, the lower intestinal tract, the connection between the trachea and esophagus, the kidneys and the arms. Information from this study may lead to a better understanding of the disease and improved treatment and genetic counseling. Patients with VACTERL association and their parents and siblings may be eligible for this study. Patients are admitted to the NIH Clinical Center for evaluation over 3 to 4 days that may include the following procedures: Physical examination, medical history, electrocardiogram (EKG), blood and urine tests Eye examination Imaging studies (echocardiogram, x-rays and ultrasound tests) Other specialized tests or consultations as indicated Optional medical photographs of the face and other body parts that may be involved in VACTERL association for publication in scientific texts or for teaching purposes Optional return visit after 2 years for repeat testing and to look for changes over time Parents of patients have the following procedures: Physical examination, medical history, blood tests and x-rays, if needed Specialty consultations as indicated Optional medical photographs of the face and other body parts that may be involved in VACTERL association for publication in scientific texts or for teaching purposes Questionnaires about their child s medical history, growth, behavior and development, therapy and medication Siblings of patients have the following procedures: Physical examination, medical history and blood tests

This is a prospective, observational, exposure-registration and follow-up study of women and their offspring exposed to Keppra® (levetiracetam) and Keppra XR® at the time of conception (i.e., any time from the first day of the last menstrual period) and/or during pregnancy. The UCB AED Pregnancy Registry is designed to monitor pregnancies exposed to Keppra® and Keppra XR® in order to determine if there is a potential increase in the risk of major birth defects compared to rates from women in the general US population. The objectives of the UCB AED Pregnancy Registry are: To prospectively collect data concerning 1) exposure to Keppra® and Keppra XR® during pregnancy, 2) potential confounding factors, 3) outcome of pregnancy, and 4) long-term pediatric outcome To review reported cases of possible birth defects To estimate the risk of birth defects occurring in live-born offspring of women exposed to Keppra® and Keppra XR® during pregnancy This study is being conducted in the United States (US). Enrollment in the Registry is voluntary. The UCB AED Pregnancy Registry is sponsored by UCB, Inc. and is managed by INC Research. The scientific conduct and analysis of the Registry is overseen by an Expert Panel consisting of external specialists in teratology/genetics, epidemiology, maternal and fetal medicine, and neurology (external member details available upon request).