Active clinical trials for "Marfan Syndrome"

The National Registry of Genetically Triggered Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Cardiovascular Conditions (GenTAC) was initiated in 2006 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). GenTAC established a registry of 3706 patients with genetic conditions that may be related to thoracic aortic aneurysms and collected medical data and biologic samples. The study ended in September 2016. Data and samples are available from NHLBI and requests should be made to BioLINCC. See the NHLBI website for more information: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/research/resources/gentac/.

Background: - Heritable disorders of connective tissue are genetic conditions that can affect the skin and other parts of the body. They are related to mutations in genes that are responsible for building tissues. The symptoms differ among disorders. Researchers want to study which genes may be responsible for different disorders. They will be performing a long-term (up to 10 years) study and a study that requires a single visit. These studies will look at how these disorders affect the body and what genes may cause these conditions. Objectives: - To perform one-time and long-term studies of people who have heritable disorders of connective tissue. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 2 years of age who have or may have a heritable disorder of connective tissue. Design: Participants will be screened with a physical exam, medical history, and blood samples. Participants will be on one of two parts of this study. The longitudinal arm will require long-term study over about 10 years. The mutational analysis arm will involve a single visit. Longitudinal arm participants must be at least 12 years of age. They will have study visits at regular intervals for up to 10 years. The tests given at these visits may include all or some of the following: Blood, saliva, urine, and skin samples Heart and lung function tests Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the neck, chest, spine, and abdomen Other imaging studies such as x-rays, bone density scans, and ultrasounds Questionnaires about sleep, pain, and quality of life Photographs of affected areas. Mutational analysis arm participants will have a single study visit. They will provide blood and saliva samples. They will provide tissue from a skin biopsy. They will also let the researchers take photos of any affected body parts. They will complete questionnaires about sleep, pain, and quality of life.

The study aim is: To examine aortic tissue by light microscopy To examine aortic tissue by electron microscopy To study changes in the epigenome and transcriptome of the X chromosome specific to aortic tissue. To examine aortic tissue using biochemistry including proteomics. To establish the karyotype of fibroblasts with standard chromosome examination on 10 meta-phases as well as by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes covering the X and Y chromosome. Using the latter 200 meta-phases will be examined. 30 controls who did not die from aortic dissection or dilation will be recruited from The Department of Forensic Medicine at Aarhus University Hospital. The investigators will subject samples of aortic tissue from women undergoing prophylactic aortic surgery due to either Marfan syndrome or bicuspid aortic valve to the same panel of examinations (except karyotyping). Lastly the investigators will compare the results from the three groups (Turner syndrome, Marfan syndrome and Bicuspid aortic valve).

The primary objective of this study is to determine whether specific patterns of circulating micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are associated with aortic aneurysm and dissection in patients with hereditary aortopathy syndromes. The most common of these syndromes is Marfan Syndrome (MFS), but several other recognized aortopathy syndromes are well characterized. The investigators propose the use of a simple blood test, from which miRNA profiles can be measured in individuals with aortopathy syndromes to be compared with miRNAs observed in a control population that has no known predisposition for aortic disease. The investigators hypothesize that microRNA profiles in individuals with Marfan syndrome, and related disorders, will be distinct from those seen in a control group. The investigators predict that up- or down-regulation of certain miRNAs will correlate with the presence and severity of aortic aneurysm, responses to medical therapy, and ultimately could be used to determine when an individual may be at risk of dissection.

The crystalline lens of the human eye helps to sharpen vision. There can be issues with the support/stability of the lens. This could be seen with the naked eye of an external observer or with the use of a slit lamp. Certain eye conditions can predispose to issues with lens stability. If patients have stability issues with their natural lens- this would be termed as "phakodonesis". However, in patients who have had prior cataract surgery with implantation of an artificial lens (IOL)- this would be termed as "pseudophakodonesis". Eye conditions such as pseudoexfoliation or Marfan-syndrome can lead to unstable lens support- this can be detected if there are advanced stability issues. However, small instability in the eye's would not be detected with present descriptive methods. The authors have designed a high-speed camera which is able to detect stability of the lens, especially during eye movements. The high-speed camera can detect variation in the change of light reflex from the lens and calculate the amount of lens instability/oscillation. The results (in normal eyes) of this high-speed camera has already been published in a peer-review journal. It is non-contact and measures lens movement. The test lasts less than 5 minutes. Further research is required to assess the amount of lens oscillation (wobbling) in different eye populations - patients with previous cataract surgery (an artificial implant is used to replace the lens) or eye conditions (such as pseudoexfoliation, Marfan syndrome). The amount of lens stability has a role in the planning of further intraocular surgery - especially cataract extraction - however, at present, there is no approved quantitative measurement for this. Participants will be recruited through Anglia Ruskin University (educational establishment), local community groups, and through Southend University Hospital eye clinics (NHS organisation). Participants' data will remain anonymous.

Medical researchers of National Heart Centre Singapore will carry out a state-of-the-art study that examines the possibility of changing patients' own cells into multi-functional and potent stem cells called iPS cells. These iPS cells can subsequently give rise to functional cardiac cells (myocytes) and other cardiovascular cells which might give further clues into the manifestation of the structural heart disease. This study involves blood sample collection for pre-screening and skin biopsies to establish skin cell culture.

The objective of this study is to determine whether a simple blood test can be a useful clinical tool for monitoring aortic disease in Marfan syndrome and Marfan-related disorders.