View clinical trials related to Dwarfism.
Filter by:Since the gene responsible for achondroplasia was identified in 1994, it has become possible to test for achondroplasia prenatally. Moreover, prenatal genetic testing for achondroplasia is relatively simple and is highly likely to be informative for any couple seeking testing. Four diagnostic laboratories in the U.S. are currently performing prenatal genetic testing for achondroplasia. Before prenatal genetic testing for achondroplasia becomes more widely available, however, it is essential that we learn more about the lives of affected individuals and their families, the implications of offering testing for achondroplasia, and the education and the counseling needs of this community. Personal interviews and stories have been published and discussed at national meetings (Ablon 1984). We conducted a pilot telephone interview survey of 15 individuals with achondroplasia. What is needed now is a large scale quantitative study of the community of little people and their families. To meet this need, we have developed a survey tool to analyze family relationships, quality of life, tendencies toward optimism or pessimism, information-avoiding or information-seeking behaviors, social support, involvement in Little People of America Inc. (LPA), self-esteem, sociodemographics and views on achondroplasia, religiousness, reproductive and family plans, genetic testing, and abortion. The self-administered survey will be completed nationally by a sample of persons with achondroplasia and their family members.
Turners Syndrome is a genetic condition in females that is a result of abnormal chromosomes. Patients with Turner syndrome are typically short, have abnormal physical features, and lack the physical changes normally associated with puberty. In addition, some patients with Turner syndrome have low bone density (osteoporosis) and differences in learning abilities. This study will research the effects of steroid hormones on patients with Turner syndrome. It will look closely at how taking steroid hormones effects the patient's rate of growth as well as the patient's ability to learn. In addition the study will investigate how different hormones (androgen and estrogen) work when given together as a combination. All patients asked to participate in this study will receive growth hormone injections. However, half of the patients will receive an additional sex steroid hormone (oxandrolone) in the form of a pill. The other half of the patients will receive a placebo or "sugar pill". This will allow the researchers to determine if the combination of the hormones produces different results than growth hormone alone. The study will last approximately 2 years. After 2 years of research the patients may qualify for an additional 2 years of treatment. Patients may benefit directly from this research with increased growth and improved ability to learn.
Children with extreme short stature (height) and their families often experience significant psychological stress related to concerns about adult height. In addition, short stature often results in life-long emotional, social, and physical obstacles to the affected person. Normal growth occurs in two phases. The first phase, known as childhood growth, occurs below the age of 10. The second phase of growth, teen-age or adolescent growth, begins between the ages of 10 and 15. In addition, puberty marks the time when the bone's growth plates (epiphysis) begin to close, initiating the completion of linear growth (height). Some children suffer from a condition called precocious puberty, meaning that puberty begins at a younger age than normal. The development of medications known as synthetic LHRH analogs have provided a method to delay puberty and treat these patients. LHRHa (deslorelin) is a hormone created to act like naturally occurring LHRH. It been used in patient's diagnosed with precocious (early onset) puberty. The drugs were able to regress patient's clinical signs of puberty, decrease the levels of adult sex hormones produced, and slow the rate of bone aging.