View clinical trials related to Bone Diseases, Developmental.
Filter by:The aim of the present study is to obtain long term follow-up in patients with osteofibrous dysplasia, to assess natural history of the disease, late results of treatment and in particular the potential and risk of progression to adamantinoma.
This is a observational study to investigate the degree to which bone mineral density is impaired in boys with autism compared with typically developing controls.
The 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.
The Greulich and Pyle technique (G&P) is that most commonly used to assess bone age in children, particularly in the context of suspected skeletal dysplasia. However it has been shown not to be applicable to children of Asian and African ethnicity and may not be applicable to United Kingdom (UK) Caucasian children, who are now relatively more mature and larger than children of the mid 1930's (when G&P was developed). It is generally agreed that updated standards are required for rapid and reliable bone age assessment. The development of such standards requires irradiation of normal children. To do this ethically, radiation exposure must be kept as low as possible. Two recent studies suggest that bone age assessment can be reliably achieved from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. As far as the investigators are aware, the Tanner & Whitehouse (TW3) method, which is preferred by some (e.g. endocrinologists and nutritionists), has not been assessed from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans - although not the main focus of this study, because of its popularity amongst certain specialties, the investigators shall be assessing the TW3 method also. Modern techniques should not only be available as textbooks, but should also be available in digital (on-line) format and where possible integrated with hospital PACS systems. The investigators believe that their team has the required experience and expertise to successfully carry out such a project. Before conducting the required large cross-sectional study, the investigators must first confirm that DXA can in fact replace radiographs for bone age assessment in children; which is the objective of this current study.
This study will determine the genes responsible for skeletal dysplasias (disorders of the skeleton) and short stature and define the range and type of medical problems they cause over time. It will investigate whether specific gene changes cause specific medical problems in these disorders and identify the signs and symptoms upon which their diagnoses must be based. Individuals with short stature or with a skeletal dysplasia known or suspected to be caused by a gene mutation (change) may be eligible for this study. Family members may also participate. Skeletal dysplasias under study include: achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia, achondrogenesis type II, hypochondrogenesis, Kniest dysplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias, Stickler syndrome; Shmid and Jansen metaphyseal dysplasias; pyknodysotosis, proximal symphalangism, brachydactyly types B C and E, Ellis van Creveld and related disorders, metatrophic chondrodysplasias, cartilage-hair hypoplasia and disorders with a skeletal abnormality that have not yet been defined but might be the result of a genetic defect. Patients will talk with two genetics specialists who will explain the study and its possible implications for the patient and family and answer questions. The patient's medical records will be reviewed, a personal and family history will be taken, and a physical examination will be done. Various other procedures that may be done include drawing up to 6 tablespoons of blood, some of which will be used for DNA (genetic) studies, X-rays, echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), eye examination, hearing test, sleep study, sperm analysis and skin biopsy (surgical removal of a small piece of skin done under local anesthetic). There may be additional evaluations by specialists in rheumatology, rehabilitation medicine and orthopedics. When the tests and examinations are completed (after 2 to 3 days), a doctor will discuss the results with the patient. Patients whose DNA studies show that a gene change is responsible for their disorder will meet with a genetics nurse or counselor to review the results, express their feelings and ask any questions they may have. Patients may be asked to return to NIH every 6 months to 2 years for continued follow-up. Medical management will be provided primarily by the patient's own physician. Participating family members will be interviewed by telephone about their personal and family health history and will have a blood sample drawn for DNA testing. If a gene change is found that is responsible for the bone disorder or growth problem in the family, arrangements will be made for the family member to discuss the implications of the findings with a genetics specialist.