High Resolution Thermal Imaging to Identify Vertebral Fractures in Children and Young People With...
Osteogenesis ImperfectaBrittle bone disease also known as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is characterised by a defect in the bone tissue that leads to recurrent fractures and significant bone deformities in children. These fractures include vertebral (spinal) fractures. As a result, child with OI require regular clinic surveillance that includes repeated xrays of the spine. in our pilot study the investigators plan to use a thermal imaging camera that can pick up changes in temperature to 0.03 degrees to determine whether the investigators can accurately identify vertebral fractures without the need for radiation. in the first part of the study the investigators will compare the thermal images from the camera with the xrays to see if the investigators can pick up the vertebral fractures seen on the xray picture. If this is possible, then the investigators will move on to phase 2 of the study which will investigate the ability of the thermal camera to pick up vertebral fractures without prior knowledge of where the fractures are located. If this approach is successful this will help us to develop a nonradiation, lowcost painless way of identifying vertebral fractures in children with OI.
Epigenetic Regulation of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Severity : miROI Study
Osteogenesis ImperfectaOsteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of rare connective tissue hereditary diseases responsible for fragility and bone deformity. OI is caused by an autosomal dominant mutation of COL1A1 or COL1A2, encoding α1 and α2 of the collagen, regardless of their phenotypic severity (1 to 5 OI type). This observation suggests the existence of a undetermined mechanism that may be found in epigenetic regulation, including particularly micro Ribonucleic Acids (miRs). Indeed, these small non-coding miRs are involved in the regulation of major steps of cellular processes in different pathologies, especially in bone disease. Currently, no study can provide a satisfactory answer. This is an etiologic study to reveal the correlation between micro-RNAs (miR) expression and the type I or III of the Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). The aim of this study is therefore to identify miRs significantly associated with the severity of OI.
Nutritional Interventional in Pediatric Patients With Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis ImperfectaBACKGROUND: In several bone disorders, adequate calcium intake is a coadjuvant intervention to regular treatment. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a collagen disorder with a range of symptoms, ranging from fractures to minimum trauma, and is typically treated with bisphosphonates. This study aims evaluate the impact of a nutritional intervention (NI) on dietary calcium intake, bone mineral density (BMD)in pediatric patients with OI. METHODS: Interventional cohort study was designed with a NI. Dietary calcium intake, anthropometry and clinical feature was assessed at baseline including anthropometry, basal metabolic rate (BMR), BMD, Food guidance form was developed and sent to patients by mail. After 12 months, patients' clinical features were reassessed and compared with baseline data. RESULTS: Fifty-two children and adolescents were enrolled. A significant increase in total calcium intake (g), the percentage of adequate calcium intake (%), number of cups of milk ingested, were observed after NI. Was detected a positive correlation between the variation of BMD and milk consumption in patients treated with bisphosphonate. CONCLUSION: Was observed an increase in calcium intake in patients with OI. This finding demonstrates the importance of nutrition therapy as part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach for bone health.
NGS Strategy Effectiveness in Molecular Diagnosis
Multiple OsteochondromaOsteogenesis ImperfectaThe coming out of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, with documented advantages and reduced costs respect to Sanger sequencing, has provided new appealing approaches to diagnostic testing. Despite this, its use for routine diagnostic purposes requires certification in terms of reliability, as well as a cost-effectiveness evaluation. To test the feasibility of using the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) in clinical diagnosis, we assessed its performance to detect point mutations and big rearrangements previously identified with standard techniques. The diagnostic accuracy and the cost-effectiveness will be evaluated by Health Technology Assessment (HTA) analyses.
Do Bisphosphonates Alter the Skeletal Response to Mechanical Stimulation in Children With Osteogenesis...
Osteogenesis ImperfectaOsteogenesis Imperfecta(OI) is an inherited disorder characterised by extreme fragility of the bones. Bones often break from little or no apparent cause. Current available medicine can increase bone strength by making bones wider and "filling in" the holes in the bone walls that weaken it. These medicines are bisphosphonates, given either by a drip intravenously (eg pamidronate), or taken by mouth (eg risedronate). Their major action is to prevent bone breakdown by stopping the normal process of removing and then replacing old bone tissue, so in some parts of the bone, new bone formation is actually reduced. Most studies of bisphosphonates in children with OI have shown increased bone mineral density and improved exercise tolerance that could positively affect new bone formation; some have shown reduced fracture rate. Bone is highly responsive to mechanical stimulation. Whole body vibration (WBV) is a form of mechanical stimulation that has been shown to improve bone mineral density in some individuals with narrow bones. Little is known whether bisphosphonates affect the response of the skeleton to mechanical stimulation. We will determine the response to mechanical stimulation in children with OI by looking at bone turnover markers following WBV in those who are and are not treated with bisphosphonates. The results from this study will help us to understand whether skeleton in children with OI is normally responsive to mechanical stimulation, and whether bisphosphonates alter that responsiveness in a way that is either beneficial or not for increasing bone strength.
Resilience and Coping in a Rare Skeletal Disease Population to Face Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak...
Multiple OsteochondromaOsteogenesis Imperfecta2 moreIn the COVID-19 outbreak context, people living with rare diseases have been highly troubled with anxiety, loneliness, and depression. The project evaluates resilience and coping strategies to address pandemic impact by discussion in a dedicated focus group using a web-based platform. The goal is to improve, in a sustainable manner, the coping skills and psychological well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults affected by rare skeletal diseases.
Evaluation and Intervention for the Effects of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis ImperfectaWe propose a longitudinal study of the natural history of types III and IV osteogenesis imperfecta for children age birth to 25 years. A consistent objective throughout this study is to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the natural history and progression of the multiple secondary features of osteogenesis imperfecta. In addition to radiographic, bone density, physical rehabilitation and dental manifestations, we will assess the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and audiology systems. The major objectives of this protocol focus on rehabilitation and physical therapy studies, pulmonary and cardiovascular function, neurological features, audiological studies and genetic and molecular biology aspects of OI. A major objective in this study is to expand the intensive rehabilitation and physical therapy studies of children with types III and IV OI. This objective continues the work that has been done in the Rehabilitation Department of the Clinical Center for the past 20 years on these patients. However, the focus of this objective is changing to include studies of scoliosis and its effect on function, studies of chest proportions and rib deformities, and studies of nonkinetic variables related to motor performance, such as temperament, competence, coping, and resilience in children with OI. The second major objective is the longitudinal study of pulmonary function in children with types III and IV OI. It is well known that cardiopulmonary complications are a major cause of disability and death in adults with OI; the developmental patterns of these complications, and whether susceptible individuals can be identified in childhood, is unknown. The third major objective of these studies of secondary features is to determine the incidence of basilar invagination and develop a monitoring and management plan for this neurological feature. Next, the prevalence, severity, age of onset and genotypic/phenotypic correlation of hearing loss among children with types II and IV OI remains poorly understood; therefore, the study of audiological features is our fourth major objective. The final major objective in this study is the continued study of the genetic and molecular biology aspect of OI. Patients will have skin biopsies for collagen studies at the biochemical and molecular level. Parents will have blood drawn for determination of mosaic status for the mutation that causes their child s OI. These studies will provide further information on genotype/phenotype correlation and other variables in OI genetics. As appropriate, bone chips from emergency or elective surgical procedures on the participants will be used to study osteoblast function in OI.
Pregnancy in Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Registry
Osteogenesis ImperfectaBrittle Bone DisordersThe purpose of this study is to learn about pregnancy outcomes in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Patients enrolled in the Brittle Bone Disorders (BBD) Contact Registry (CR) will be invited via email to participate in this study.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Quality of Life Survey Pilot Project 2
Osteogenesis ImperfectaBrittle Bone DisordersThe purpose of this study is to explore the patient perspective of disease burden in Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). Participants will complete a web-based survey of questions which are usually administered within the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and provide feedback regarding the appropriateness of the questions for someone with OI.
Evaluation and Treatment of Patients With Connective Tissue Disease
Connective Tissue DisordersOsteogenesis Imperfecta3 moreThis study offers evaluation and treatment of patients with a suspected connective tissue disorder. The protocol is not designed to test new treatments; rather, patients receive standard care. The study is designed to: 1) allow NICHD's staff to learn more about connective tissue disorders, 2) train physicians in the evaluation and treatment of these disorders; and 3) establish a pool of patients who may be eligible for other NICHD protocols for connective tissue disorders. (Participants in this protocol will not be required to join another study; the decision will be voluntary.) Patients of all ages with a suspected connective tissue disorder and their unaffected family members may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo diagnostic procedures that may include a medical history, physical examination, X-ray studies, eye examinations, and blood drawing, as well as other specialized tests, when needed. Additional tests may include: Blood test for DNA genetic analysis Skin biopsy: Removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination. The area of skin selected for the biopsy is numbed and a small circle of skin, usually from the upper arm, is removed with a surgical cookie cutter-like instrument. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show structural and chemical changes in tissues. The patient lies on a table that slides into a narrow cylinder containing a magnetic field. Ear plugs are worn to muffle loud knocking and thumping sounds that occur with electrical switching of the magnetic fields. Computed tomography (CT) scans: This test allows the doctor to view the organs inside the body in small sections. The patient lies in a doughnut-like machine. Scanning can be done from different angles, allowing a three dimensional picture of the part of the body being studied. It may be done with or without injection of a contrast material. Referral to appropriate sub-specialists when potential complications are found.