View clinical trials related to Spinal Dysraphism.
Filter by: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.
This study will examine the effects of a theoretically grounded and manualized cognitive rehabilitation program on patients with Spina Bifida (SB). SB is often associated with deficit in higher order control over cognition, emotion and behaviour; which is typically referred to as executive functions. The present study will examine the efficacy of Goal Management Training (GMT) in patients with SB that experience executive difficulties. It is expected that GMT will have a favourable effect on cognitive executive functioning, psychological and health related factors.
The primary aim of this study was to determine if using the SpeediCath hydrophilic catheter would reduce the incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTI)in children with spina bifida who perform clean intermittent catheterization for bladder management. The hypothesis was that the incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infections would be significantly reduced (by 25%) in users of the SpeediCath hydrophilic catheter when compared to users of a reused polyvinyl chloride (PVC) catheter. Subjects were randomly assigned to either starting the study with PVC catheter for 6 months followed by the hydrophilic catheter for 6 months or visa versa. Each subject kept a weekly diary recording urinary tract infections symptoms, hematuria determined by urine dipstick, physician visits, days of missed school and other activities. At the end of each 6 months subjects completed a questionnaire recording their comfort and satisfaction in using the PVC or hydrophilic coated catheter. 70 subjects were randomized and 46 had complete data. There were no differences in febrile UTI, antibiotic use, healthcare visits or school days missed. The incidence of self reported UTI was lower in the PVC group than the hydrophilic group. 40% of subjects indicated that the hydrophilic coated catheter was slippery and difficult to handle compared to 10% for the PVC catheter. However overall satisfaction was no different between products. The study results are consistent with the current Cochrane Review that there is a lack of evidence to state that the incidence of UTI is affected by multiuse or hydrophilic catheter use.
The Genetics of Neural Tube Defects Study at the University of Miami: The University of Miami John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics is looking for families to participate in research to identify the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to Neural Tube Defects (NTD). Our research goal is to better understand the genetic and environmental causes of both open NTD, like spina bifida and anencephaly, and closed NTD, like lipomeningocele and tethered cord. This will eventually lead to more accurate genetic counseling and risk assessment, improved treatments, and better prevention methods. Any individual with a diagnosis of NTD and his/her selected family members can participate, if willing. Participation is free. Travel is not required. Participation involves reading and signing a consent form, providing a blood sample, a family and medical history interview, and granting the research staff permission to review the medical records of the individual(s) with NTD. We maintain the highest standards of confidentiality for all families. If interested, please contact Maria Ciliberti, the study coordinator, at 1-877-686-6444 (toll free) or directly at 305-243-4360, or by email Mciliberti@med.miami.edu . Please visit our web site at www.hihg.org for more information.
Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) are multifactorial (genetic/environmental) diseases that arise from failure of embryonic neural tube closure. Several studies have demonstrated that periconceptional administration of folic acid can prevent approximately 70% of all NTDs cases. The finding of several NTDs cases in a single family, despite prophylactic therapy with folic acid, suggested that a proportion of human NTDs are folate-resistant. So far, no preventive therapy for folate-resistant NTDs is available. Studies performed on folate-resistant NTDs animal models have shown that inositol is effective in preventing NTDs occurrence. Preliminary results in patients with at least two previous pregnancies affected by NTDs, despite folic acid supplementation, indicate that periconceptional treatment with 500 mg/day of inositol (three months before conception and two months after) is able to prevent NTDs recurrence in humans. Recently, caffeine intake (more than 10 mg/day) has been associated with an increased risk of NTDs, especially for subgroups of people that carry genetic variants for enzymes involved in caffeine metabolism. The teratogenic effects of caffeine are known since the 70s. Indeed, gynecologists suggest to pregnant women to avoid/reduce caffeine intake. It is still unknown, however, whether pre-conception caffeine intake interferes with prophylactic therapy for NTDs. In the proposed study, we aim to evaluate the effect of "espresso" consumption (corresponding to about 100 mg caffeine) on the pharmacokinetics of oral administered myo-inositol (MI), in order to highlight any possible negative effects of caffeine on MI adsorption and excretion before conception. The study will consist of two phases and will be carried on twelve healthy volunteers. During phase 1, volunteers will be kept for 15 days under inositol-poor diet; at the end of this period, 20 g of MI will be administrated in a single dose. Basal levels of serum and urinary concentration will be evaluated before MI administration (t0); subsequently, sampling will be performed 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after MI administration. Phase 2 will consist of 15 additional days of inositol-poor diet: basal levels of MI will be again measured before MI administration. In phase 2, MI administration will be concomitant to caffeine exposure through single"espresso" consumption. Samples will be collected at the same time points as in phase 1.
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.
Neural tube defects are one of the most prevalent congenital abnormalities, surpassed only by cardiac malformations. Spina bifida accounts for the majority of the neural tube defects and is comprised of a wide spectrum of anomalies ranging from small isolated sacral dysraphisms to large spinal defects. The origin of spina bifida is a failure of neurulation. It usually occurs at 15 days post-conception, resulting in a bony spinal defect with extrusion of the neural placode and/or the meninges outside of the spinal canal. Spina bifida has a prevalence of 1-5 in 1,000 live births and is the most complex congenital abnormality compatible to long-time survival. Concerning psychomotor development as well as urinary bladder and intestinal morbidity the prognosis ranges from normal functional outcome to severe disability. The diagnosis of serious fetal abnormalities such as spinal dysraphism by ultrasound screening allows patients to prepare for the birth of an impaired child or to consider termination of the pregnancy. In current practice, prenatal counseling and obstetric management depend not only on the detection of a spinal dysraphism but also on an appropriate assessment of the severity of the defect and its possible impact on the postnatal development of the affected child. Level and type of lesion, presence of associated anomalies (e.g., Chiari II malformation and ventriculomegaly) and mode of surgical closure are factors known to have prognostic impact on the postnatal outcome. Previous studies reported that postnatally determined lesion levels correlated well with functional status and survival. On the contrary, it is still not clear whether similar data obtained antenatally are of value. In this study, the investigators will review their database of all cases of prenatally diagnosed spina bifida within a 16 year period between 1993 and 2009. By analyzing the prenatal and postnatal characteristics of fetuses with spina bifida in relation to the anatomic level of the lesion, the investigators aim to contribute further information regarding the natural course of affected pregnancies and the correlation of prenatal ultrasound findings with their functional outcome.
The goal of this study is to evaluate a surgical procedure (operation) that reroutes lumbar to sacral nerves in the spinal column to improve the bladder's ability to empty properly in patients born with Spina Bifida.
This project will describe and evaluate the impact of a unique partnership model designed to coordinate transfer of care by formally linking pediatric and adult heath care services. The experiences of young people receiving this model of care will be compared and contrasted against the experiences of young people receiving the current standard of care. Young people with a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy (CP), Acquired Brain Injury in childhood (ABIc), and Spina Bifida (SB) will be followed during the transition period. Preparation for transition, health care, and transfer of care service delivery will be detailed in a process evaluation. An outcome evaluation will measure the ability of the two models of service to enable youth to maintain continuity within the health care system after transitioning from pediatric to adult care. Secondary outcomes, including how health, well-being, social participation, transition readiness, and health care utilization are affected will also be explored.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of functional independence and the quality of life of adolescents and young adults with spina bifid in an Italian population.