Active clinical trials for "Craniofacial Abnormalities"

Freeman-Sheldon syndrome (FSS) is a rare human neuromusculoskeletal disorder present before birth, involving primarily limb and craniofacial deformities. The hypotheses in the present study of FSS and related conditions are: (1) FSS and related conditions are associated with higher rates of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression, and reduced quality of life than is observed in the general population; (2) persons close to an individual with FSS or related condition suffer similarly; and (3) current measures, which are single-disease specific (i.e., PTSS, depression, craniofacial deformities, or limb deformities), do not capture the unique picture of FSS and related conditions, which involve both limb and craniofacial deformities in an intellectually capable individual. There have been no studies looking at quality of life associated with FSS. Some authors have looked at quality of life in persons with facial differences; other authors have looked at bone and joint problems. Many other authors have looked at PTSS and depression caused by health problems and bad medical experiences. No authors have looked at these problems when they happen together, as they do in FSS. Because of the above, there may be differences in patients that have FSS versus patients in previous quality of life studies. The study will also develop and validate an outcomes-based quality of life survey for FSS and related conditions.

difficult problem in the paediatric age group because of their small mouth opening and un-cooperativeness.Currently used methods of sedation for fibreoptic intubation such as benzodiazepines, propofol or opioids may cause respiratory depression, especially when used in high doses

To determine if providing a written document in addition to the standard oral discussion of surgical risks improves risk recall for the parents/guardians of a child seen in consultation for cleft palate surgery, and if this has any effect on overall satisfaction after the procedure

The hypotheses of the present study of Freeman-Sheldon syndrome (FSS) and related conditions are: (1) that exercise capacity is lower in FSS patients versus normal controls, and the lower exercise capacity is due to changes in the muscles' normal structure and an inability of sufficient quantity of the energy molecule to bind to muscle; (2) this muscle problem reduces amount of air that can get in the lung and amount of oxygen carried in the blood, which then has the effect of increasing heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, and deep body temperature, and produces muscle rigidity; (3) the events noted above, when they occur during cardiac stress testing, are related to a problem similar to malignant hyperthermia (MH) reported in some muscle disorders without use of drugs known to cause MH. MH (a life-threatening metabolic reaction that classically is triggered when susceptible persons receive certain drugs used in anaesthesia.

The purpose of this study is to find out if there are any genetic differences between people with and without disorders of the head, face, and eye. We will create a biorepository of samples from people with and without these types of birth defects. A biorepository is a collection or "bank" of human tissue materials (such as blood or saliva) for research purposes. These samples will then be available to investigators studying these disorders.

This study will use stereo photogrammetry to: 1) characterize facial features of genetic and congenital malformations; 2) define facial features associated with normal growth and development; and 3) determine if stereo photogrammetry soft tissue imaging can be used to help diagnose head and facial malformations. These abnormalities currently are diagnosed using 2- or 3-dimensional skeletal images obtained with x-rays. Stereo photogrammetry uses a camera and computer to generate 3-dimensional images of the soft tissues of the face. Because the method does not use any radiation, images can be taken repeatedly to evaluate patients over a long term. Using stereo photogrammetry, images of people who belong to a defined group, for example, 17-year-old Caucasian males, can be combined (or morphed) into one image, allowing measurement of the facial features of the group. Comparing the morphed images of a normal control group with those of people with specific genetic conditions may reveal distinctions that could be used in diagnosing conditions that are currently diagnosed using x-rays. Healthy normal volunteers and patients with craniofacial dysmorphologies may be eligible for this study. Patients are recruited from current NIH studies of various genetic diseases. People who have previously had head and neck surgeries, including cosmetic surgery, may not participate. Participants give a medical and dental history, including any orthodontic work or facial surgeries. They are then positioned in front of a photogrammetry camera, a headband is placed on their head, and their picture is taken. A coded patient number is entered into the computer, where the image is stored until further analysis. Most participants are evaluated one time, but some patients and control subjects may be asked to return yearly for repeat images.

The primary objective of this clinical trial is to assess the influence of orthognathic surgery on facial soft tissue, such as changes (volume, linear, angular) of facial hard and soft tissue, in three dimensions, so enabling the setup of 3D normative value tables.

This study will determine whether all patients with craniofrontonasal syndrome (CFNS) have a mutation of a gene called ephrin-B1 (EFNB1). CFNS is one of a group of conditions called craniosynostosis syndromes that result from closure of one or more of the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull before brain growth is complete. Because of the premature closure, the brain is not able to grow in its natural shape; instead, there is growth in areas of the skull where the joints have not yet closed. In CFNS, it results in malformation of the skull and face. It is known that the EFNB1 mutation can cause CFNS, and this study will see if the gene change is present in all patients with the disorder. This study includes patients and family members affected with CFNS. Participants have 1 to 2 teaspoons of blood drawn for genetic studies. A second blood sample may be requested for further research. Some blood may be used to establish a cell line for later studies. This involves growing the white blood cells from the blood sample. The cells can be kept in the laboratory to make more DNA or can be frozen for later use in studies of craniosynostosis. Patients may also have their medical records reviewed to relate gene changes to clinical features in CFNS.

Deficient or inappropriate healing of bone impacts clinical decision-making and treatment options in orthopedics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery and periodontics. While a number of auto- and allografting techniques have been used to regenerate craniofacial defects caused by infective, neoplastic or trauma-induced bone loss, each method has significant limitations. Our research group in the Craniofacial and Skeletal Diseases Branch of NIDCR has developed methods to culture and expand cell populations derived from mouse bone marrow stroma. We believe that an important next step is to apply the information gained in animal studies to treat osseous defects in humans. We propose to examine the potential of cultured human bone marrow stromal cells to serve as an abundant source of osteoblastic progenitor cells. These cells will ultimately be used to graft craniofacial osseous defects. In the course of this study we will: (1) develop methods for the propagation and enrichment of osteoblastic progenitor cells from bone marrow stroma; (2) test various vehicles for the transfer of bone marrow stromal cells to osseous defects in recipient animals; (3) determine optimal culturing and transplantation conditions for the eventual transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells into human recipients. These studies will define the parameters of bone marrow stromal cell transplantation and will generate models for future therapeutic strategies.

A new osteosynthesis system for orthognathic surgery was proposed.This system allows small intra-operative adjustments of the bone fragments during the osteosynthesis phase of the operation (also known as the slot principle). Another possible advantage are the slant screw holes with chamfered ridges allowing easy placements of the screws via the small incision wound without undercuts in between the plate and the screwheads.