View clinical trials related to Neural Tube Defects.
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.
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 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 goal of this research study is to discover the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the cause of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Ultimately, this type of research may result in improved diagnosis, improved treatment and possibly prevention.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the study drug is safe and effective
The aim of the study is to develop a randomised, double blind clinical trial to compare (i) folic acid plus inositol, with (ii) folic acid plus placebo, for prevention of recurrent neural tube defects.
Investigate the efficacy of weekly versus daily of folic acid supplementation on improving folate, vitamin B12,
The aim of this study is to examine whether the same total daily dosage of folic acid, when taken as a single daily dose or as multiple divided doses throughout the day, results in different blood folate and homocysteine levels at the conclusion of the study. Further, a comparison of blood folate and homocysteine levels among women taking daily low-dosage (100mcg) and standard- dosage (400mcg) folic acid with those of women taking daily or weekly high-dosage (4000mcg) folic acid will be conducted.
Spina bifida (myelomeningocele) is a complex birth defect in which a portion of the spinal cord is not fully developed. The overlying bones and skin are incompletely formed and the underdeveloped area of the spinal cord is exposed on the surface of the back. Spina bifida defects are closed soon after birth to prevent further damage to the spinal cord and nerves. The Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) is a research study comparing two approaches to the treatment of babies with spina bifida: surgery before birth (prenatal surgery) and the standard closure, surgery after birth (postnatal surgery).