Active clinical trials for "Spinal Dysraphism"

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (transplant of blood cells from another individual) is a treatment option for patients with myelodysplasia or myeloproliferative Disorders. During the course of this study, it will be evaluated whether a particular type of blood cell, called a cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell, may add benefit to allogeneic stem cell transplantation. CIK cells are present in small quantities in the bloodstream but their numbers can be expanded after a brief period of nurturing in a laboratory.

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of prenatal minimally-invasive fetoscopic closure with i) uterine exteriorization for a minimally-invasive repair under amniotic carbon dioxide insufflation ii) two trocars for the dissection and the cover with one patch or the suture of the skin edges by stitch

The objective of the study is to determine whether single-use polyvinylchloride (PVC) catheters reduce urinary tract infections (UTI) compared to reused PVC catheters for patients with neurogenic bladder due to spina bifida that require intermittent catheterization for bladder emptying. The investigators conducted a clinical trial with an 8-week follow-up comparing single-use and reused (washed with soap and water, and stored in a container with benzalkonium chloride or washed with soap and water alone) PVC intermittent catheterization. Evaluations were established on days 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, and 56. Participants reported symptoms and urine culture results, collecting urine samples from a fresh midstream catheter specimen using a sterile technique.

This study is to evaluate the safety of Yulex gloves when used by individuals who have documented allergy to natural rubber latex from Hevea brasiliensis. Yulex is a latex from a different plant (Guayule) and in previous studies shows no cross-reactivity to Hevea latex and has not been allergenic in workers exposed to Yulex. The FDA has approved Yulex gloves for use in the general population and has recognized and labeled these gloves as Hevea Latex-free. The labeling still includes a precaution that Yulex gloves may pose a risk for development of allergy because Yulex does contain a small amount of Guayule protein. Yulex Corporation has proposed doing further studies to demonstrate safety and lack of allergenicity in a population that is prone to latex allergy. In the proposed pilot study, the investigators goal is to complete the protocol on 10 adults with spina bifida who are allergic to natural rubber latex who will wear Yulex gloves as part of their regular bladder and bowel care for approximately 30 minutes daily over a 3 month period. The investigators anticipate that the investigators will need to recruit and enroll up to 50 study participants to achieve a final sample of 10 adults with complete study data. Individuals with a history of anaphylaxis will be excluded from the study. The study participants will be tested for Yulex allergy by Glove Puncture Test as well as serology at the beginning and end of the study. The FDA Devices group has reviewed the study design and agreed that this is a suitable first pilot study.

Our aim in this study is in patients with a diagnosis of neural tube defect; is the measurement of BPA levels in maternal blood and amniotic fluid.

Girls with spina bifida also have bladder problems. This is because they need temporary placement of a tube into the bladder to remove urine. This thin flexible tube is called a catheter. It can increase the risk of having bacteria in the urine. This in turn can lead to urinary tract infection (UTI). Some girls with spina bifida are given antibiotics. These are medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria. The medicine is used to prevent UTI. However, long-term treatment with these medicines can have side effects. For example, the bacteria may become resistant to the antibiotics. Also, bacteria in the urine can persist. UTI can still occur in patients on antibiotics. UTI in girls occurs because bacteria migrate from the rectum to the vagina area. This gives the bacteria access to the bladder. Also, in girls with spina bifida, the access to the bladder is easier because of the catheter. Probiotics are friendly bacteria. They are available as dietary supplements and as food. They contain helpful bacteria. Yogurt is an example of a food that contains probiotics. The purpose of this study is to find out, if probiotics taken for 6 months can prevent UTI in girls with spina bifida. We will also try to find out whether changes in urine bacteria are associated with the taking of the probiotics. A vaginal and rectal swab will also be done to find out if taking probiotics has any benefits on preventing bacteria.

CDC staff at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities have been working closely with a Honduras-based organization, Project Healthy Children (PNS) and the Ministry of Health, on a folic acid supplementation study among female maquila workers. Participants are divided into two groups. One group receives a 1.0 milligram pill daily while the other group receives a 5.0 milligram pill weekly. The aim of this study is to assess serum blood folate levels measured at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the study. Hypothesis: Folic acid (5mg)given once weekly is as effective as folic acid (1mg)given daily in raising blood folate levels.

The aim of this study is to examine whether the same total daily dosage of folic acid, when taken as a single daily dose or as multiple divided doses throughout the day, results in different blood folate and homocysteine levels at the conclusion of the study. Further, a comparison of blood folate and homocysteine levels among women taking daily low-dosage (100mcg) and standard- dosage (400mcg) folic acid with those of women taking daily or weekly high-dosage (4000mcg) folic acid will be conducted.

Investigate the efficacy of weekly versus daily of folic acid supplementation on improving folate, vitamin B12,

This study will evaluate the efficacy of a newly developed serious game, SCI HARD, to enhance self-management skills, self-reported health behaviors, and quality of life among adolescents and young adults with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D). SCI HARD was designed by the project PI, Dr. Meade, in collaboration with the UM3D (University of Michigan three dimensional) Lab between 2010 and 2013 with funding from a NIDRR (National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research) Field Initiated Development Grant to assist persons with SCI develop and apply the necessary skills to keep their bodies healthy while managing the many aspects of SCI care. The study makes a unique contribution to rehabilitation by emphasizing the concepts of personal responsibility and control over one's health and life as a whole. By selecting an innovative approach for program implementation, we also attempt to address the high cost of care delivery and lack of health care access to underserved populations with SCI/D living across the United States (US). H1: SCI Hard participants will show greater improvements in problem solving skills, healthy attitudes about disability, and SCI Self-efficacy than will control group members; these improvements will be sustained over time within and between groups. H2: SCI Hard participants will endorse more positive health behaviors than control group members; these improvements will be sustained over time within and between groups. H3: SCI Hard participants will have higher levels of QOL than control group members; these differences will be sustained over time within and between groups. H4: Among SCI Hard participants, dosage of game play will be related to degree of change in self-management skills, health behaviors and QOL.