View clinical trials related to Muscular Dystrophy.
Filter by:The purpose of the study is to describe the early signs and symptoms of the dystroglycanopathies, and to gather information that will be required for future clinical trials.
We are studying the genetics of human cardiovascular and neuromuscular disease. There are many different genetic regions that have been associated with the development of cardiomyopathy. An equal number of genetic regions have been associated with muscular dystrophy and there is overlap because some of the identical genes, when mutated, produce both cardiomyopathy and muscular dystrophy. We are working to identify genes and gene mutations associated with cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias and muscular dystrophy. We propose to screen these samples for mutations in genes known to be involved in these disorders.
Myotonic dystrophy (DM) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) are inherited disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue. The purpose of this registry is to connect people with DM or FSHD with researchers studying these diseases. The registry will offer individuals with DM and FSHD an opportunity to participate in research that focuses of their diseases. The registry will also help scientists to accomplish research on DM and FSHD and to distribute their findings to patients and care providers.
This study is designed to learn more about the natural history of inherited neurological disorders and the role of heredity in their development. It will examine the genetics, symptoms, disease progression, treatment, and psychological and behavioral impact of diseases in the following categories: hereditary peripheral neuropathies; hereditary myopathies; muscular dystrophies; hereditary motor neuron disorders; mitochondrial myopathies; hereditary neurocognitive disorders; inherited neurological disorders without known diagnosis; and others. Many of these diseases, which affect the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves, are rare and poorly understood. Children and adults of all ages with various inherited neurological disorders may be eligible for this study. Participants will undergo a detailed medical and family history, and a family tree will be drawn. They will also have a physical and neurological examination that may include blood test and urine tests, an EEG (brain wave recordings), psychological tests, and speech and language and rehabilitation evaluations. A blood sample or skin biopsy may be taken for genetic testing. Depending on the individual patient s symptoms, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT or MRI scans and muscle and nerve testing may also be done. Information from this study may provide a better understanding of the genetic underpinnings of these disorders, contributing to improved diagnosis, treatment, and genetic counseling, and perhaps leading to additional studies in these areas.
It is proposed that patients with skin disease due to presumed immunologic, genetic or viral-induced abnormalities, patients with neurological degenerations, and normal controls be evaluated with various in vitro studies of immunologic, genetic, and virologic function. This is to include studies of peripheral blood (cells and serum) as well as studies of skin obtained with a biopsy instrument. In addition, studies of gastrointestinal function will be performed where appropriate.