View clinical trials related to Microcephaly.
Filter by:The aim of this study is to investigate short and long term consequences from early postnatal HCMV infection transmitted via human milk in very preterm infants (birth weight < 1500 g or gestational age < 32 weeks). These infants are at high risk of early death or survival with chronic disease and neurodevelopmental impairment if infected with HCMV. Infection is a common complication in this group of patients and reported to be the most frequent cause of death after the second week of life. Systemic infection in the newborn period is reported as representing an independent risk factor for survival with neurodevelopmental impairment among very preterm infants.
The purpose of this research is to study a new way to test for chromosome abnormalities. Chromosomes are strands of DNA (the genetic material in the cell nucleus) that are made up of genes-the units of heredity. Chromosome abnormalities are usually investigated by staining the chromosomes with a dye (Giemsa stain) and examining them under a microscope. This method can detect many duplications and deletions of pieces of chromosomes and is very accurate in diagnosing certain abnormalities. It is not useful, however, for identifying very small abnormalities. This study will evaluate the accuracy of a test method using 24 different dyes for finding small chromosome abnormalities. Children and adults with various chromosome abnormalities may be eligible for this study, including, for example, people with developmental delay or mental retardation, abnormal growth features or growth retardation, and certain behavioral disorders. Participants will be evaluated in the clinic over a 1- to 3-day period, depending on their symptoms. All participants will be examined by a genetics specialist and will have a physical examination and possibly X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound studies and medical photography. Blood will be drawn for chromosome testing-about 3 tablespoons from adults and 1 to 3 teaspoons from children. When the test results are available, participants will return to the clinic for follow-up evaluation and review of the test findings. The genetic and medical evaluations, along with their implications, will be discussed.