Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disease: Single Center Experience
Genetic DiseaseAneuploidyThis monocentric retrospective observational study aims to evaluate the efficacy of pre-implantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases (PGT-M). The effectiveness will be assessed in terms of live birth rate (LBR), cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per couple, and abortion rate (AR). Considering how many cycles the participants have undergone to achieve a viable blastocyst. The secondary objective is to evaluate the incidence of aneuploidy in unaffected embryos, in order to understand the need for pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)in addition to PGT-M.
Usability and Tolerability of the Norditropin NordiFlex® Injection Device in Children Never Previously...
Growth Hormone DisorderGrowth Hormone Deficiency in Children7 moreThis study is conducted in Europe. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact on daily life for children new to using a growth hormone injection device.
Safety and Efficacy of Long-term Somatropin Treatment in Children
Growth Hormone DisorderGrowth Hormone Deficiency in Children6 moreThis study is conducted in Europe. The aim of this study is to evaluate safety during the long-term use of somatropin (Norditropin®) in children as well as efficacy on change in height. A subgroup of children small for their gestational age is included.
A Study Comparing the Quality of Life of Patients in the Treatment of Eczema by Pediatric Generalists...
EczemaDermatitis13 moreThe purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in the quality of life of patients and caregivers who are treated by general pediatricians versus pediatric dermatologists for eczema (atopic dermatitis or AD).
Central and Peripheral Nervous System Changes as Markers of Disease Progression in Multiple Sclerosis...
Multiple SclerosisNeurodegeneration6 moreOBJECTIVE To investigate neurodegeneration and demyelination in the central and peripheral nervous system in multiple sclerosis linked to disease progression and mechanisms that can explain different responses to Fampridine treatment in MS patients with walking disability. METHOD The study is a prospective cohort follow-up study with 98 participants with MS and walking disability. Participants are identified as responders or non-responders to Fampridine treatment prior to the study. Participants will undergo MRI of the cerebrum with lesion load quantification, neurophysiological tests comprised of motor evoked potentials and electroneurographic examination, blood samples examining KIR4.1 antibodies, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), myelin protein zero (MPZ), peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22), p75-nerve growth factor receptor (p75NGFR) and anti-myelin associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG). The presence of SORCS-3 gene mutation will also be examined, as will cerebrospinal fluid levels of myelin basic protein, neurofilament heavy and light chains. Functional test of Timed 25-foot walk test (T25FW) will identify response to Fampridine treatment. A functional test battery will further detail function of upper extremities and cognition. CONCLUSION This study will add to the understanding of neurodegeneration and demyelination in CNS and PNS in patients with MS having walking disability. This will impact clinical decision-making by improving organization of immunomodulatory treatment, identifying biomarkers thus facilitating earlier treatment and improving patient control, information and education.
Durban Diabetes Study:A Study of the Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus in Urban South Africans of...
Diabetes MellitusHyperglycemia2 moreType 2 diabetes (T2D) is an emerging epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated prevalence of 6%. With around seven million cases of T2D in 2000, it is anticipated that over 18 million Africans will have the disease by 2030. In South Africa the prevalence of T2D in people of African descent has been reported to be between 3-10%. However, there have been limited studies on diabetes epidemiology in South Africans using currently employed World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. To assess the burden of T2D and associated risk factors in South Africa, we are establishing the Durban Diabetes Study (DDS) - a population-based cross-sectional study in the city of Durban (the eThekwini municipality) to be undertaken in 1,200 participants of African descent. In-depth health questionnaire responses, biophysical measurements and blood and urine samples will be gathered from these participants. These data will allow researchers to estimate the population prevalence of T2D and associated risk factors in the region. The infrastructure created for this cross sectional study has the potential to serve as a strong framework for future research initiatives and public health interventions within the region.
Retrospective Observational Study on Efficacy and Safety of Norditropin® in Children With Prader-Willi...
Genetic DisorderPrader-Willi SyndromeThis study is conducted in Europe. The aim of this observational study is to collect data from children with Prader-Willi Syndrome, who have been treated off-label with Norditropin® for more than 12 months to seek approval for Norditropin® treatment with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Genetic Studies of X-linked Lymphoproliferative Disease
X-Linked Lymphoproliferative DiseaseLymphoproliferative Disease2 moreThis study will study the effects of the gene on the X chromosome that is associated with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLPD)-an inherited disease affecting the immune system-on the function of the immune system. XLPD has been linked to an abnormality in a specific region of the X chromosome (one of 23 chromosome pairs that contain the genes that determine a person's hereditary makeup). The disease may develop after infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV affects more than 95 percent of people in the United States. It usually does not cause any symptoms in children. In adolescents and adults, however, EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis and sometimes lymphoproliferative disease, such as XLPD. In these diseases lymph tissues, such as lymph nodes, may become enlarged and immune function (infection-fighting ability) impaired. This study will compare DNA from patients with XLPD with that of their unaffected relatives, of patients with other lymphoproliferative diseases and of normal controls. Patients of any age with XLPD, their unaffected relatives 18 years of age and older, and patients with other lymphoproliferative diseases may participate in this study. Blood samples will be collected from all participants to study the effects of the gene on the X chromosome that appears to be abnormal in XLPD on the function of the immune system. In a 6-week period, no more than 100 milliliters (about 7 tablespoons) of blood will be drawn from adults and no more than 1 ml (1/6 teaspoon) of blood per pound of body weight from children. Blood from patients with XLPD and their relatives will also be tested for HLA type (similar to blood type testing) and the ability of HLA-matched cells from patients and relatives to interact will be examined. ...
Genetic Disorders of Mucociliary Clearance in Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease
Cystic FibrosisPseudohypoaldosteronism3 moreHealthy volunteers and patients with diseases that involve problems clearing mucus from the lungs will be examined and tested to better understand the reasons for recurring lung infections in these patients and to try to develop better ways to diagnose and treat them. The study will also try to identify the genes responsible for these diseases. Healthy volunteers 18 years of age and older and patients 2 years of age or older with suspected primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), variant cystic fibrosis (CF) or pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) may be eligible for this study. Patients enrolled in the Natural History Study of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria at NIH or other NIH natural history protocols may also be enrolled. Participants undergo the following tests and procedures during a 1-day visit at the NIH Clinical Center, as follows: All patients and normal volunteers have the following procedures: Physical examination and review of medical and genetic history and family genetic history. Lung function test and measurement of oxygen saturation level. Nitric oxide measurement to measure the amount of nitric oxide production in the nose: A small tube is placed in the nose while the subject breathes through the mouth into a cardboard tube. All patients have the following additional procedures: Blood tests for liver and kidney function, blood count, immunoglobulins and pregnancy test (where appropriate). Blood test or buccal scrape (brushing the inside of the cheek) to obtain DNA to look for gene mutations that cause PCD, CF or PHA. Scrape biopsy of cell lining the inside of the nose: A small toothpick-sized plastic stick with a tiny cup on the end is used to get nasal lining cells to look at the cilia (hair-like structures that move mucus). Semen analysis (in some men) to test sperm tail function or structure. Patients suspected of having a variant of CF or PHA, including nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease, have the following additional procedures: Sweat chloride test: A medicine is placed on the arm to produce sweat; then, a very low level of electric current is applied for 5 to 12 minutes. Sweat is collected in a plastic tube and tested for salt content. Blood draw for CF genetic testing, if necessary, and to measure levels of the enzyme trypsin. Saliva collection to measure sodium and chloride content. Nasal potential difference to measure the electrical activity of the cells lining the inside of the nose: A soft plastic tube filled with a salt solution is passed into the nasal passage and a sterile needle is placed under the skin of the arm. This test provides information about how the lining of the nose is able to get used to changes in temperature and humidity. (Normal volunteers also have this test.)
Evaluate the Effort Test as a Therapeutic Monitoring Tool in Acute Rhabdomyolyses
Rhabdomyolysis Linked to a Hereditary Disease of MetabolismThe prognosis of rhabdomyolyses related to hereditary diseases of metabolism is poor and treatments are only symptomatic. Rhabdomyolysis outbreaks are frequently precipitated by fever and fasting. They are unpredictable. In spite of the care of patient in an intensive care unit, the occurrence of renal failure and heart rhythm disorders explains a significant acute-phase mortality rate. There is an urgent need to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of rhabdomyolyses related to hereditary diseases of metabolism, in order to identify specific treatments. Patients with rhabdomyolyses have few clinical signs outside of access. So there is a methodological difficulty in following a treatment test. There is an urgency to identify follow-up parameters in anticipation of new therapies. The objective of this study is to validate the hypothesis that effort test and cardiac function parameters are usable in the treatment monitoring for patients with acute rhabdomyolysis linked to a hereditary disease of metabolism and thus propose the effort test as an assessment tool for future clinical trials. In order to do so, the correlation between the results of the effort tests, performed to each patient with rhabdomyolysis related to a hereditary disease of metabolism, with the severity of the disease will be evaluated. This study is original because it opens up innovative prospects for monitoring in the field of hereditary diseases of metabolism, with the identification of new monitoring tools.