Study of Heritable Connective Tissue Disorders

The purposes of this study are to identify the genes responsible for inherited connective tissue disorders and learn about the range of medical problems they cause. It will investigate whether specific gene changes cause specific medical problems and will establish diagnostic criteria (signs and symptoms) for the individual syndromes.

Children and adults with a known or suspected inherited connective tissue disorder (Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos or Stickler syndrome, or other closely related disorders) and their family members may be eligible for this study.

Patients enrolled in the study will have a medical history, physical examination and blood tests, as well as other procedures that may include:

* Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) * X-rays and other imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans * Lung function studies * Urine tests * Skin biopsy (removal of a small piece of tissue, under local anesthetic, for microscopic examination) * Examination by various specialists (e.g., in ophthalmology, gastroenterology, rehabilitation medicine) as needed * Questionnaires regarding chronic pain and fatigue, quality of life, and the impact of the connective tissue disorder on the patient and family.

(Patients who wish to enroll but cannot travel to NIH may have a more limited participation, including review of medical records, telephone interview regarding personal and family history, and collection of a specimen (blood, skin biopsy, or other) for genetic testing.

Patients will be notified of genetic testing results that show a change responsible for their connective tissue disorder. If they wish, the information will also be sent to their local health care provider, along with recommendations for additional tests or treatment options. No treatment is offered as part of this study.

Participating family members who do not themselves have a connective tissue disorder will provide a small blood sample for gene testing and be interviewed by telephone about their personal and family health history. Those whose blood test results show a gene change associated with a connective tissue disorder will be invited to NIH for a discussion of the findings or referred to a genetic center in their area.

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Key information

Conditions

Connective Tissue Disease Abnormalities, Multiple Acute Aortic Syndrome Aneurysm Aortic Diseases Aortic Dissection Arachnodactyly Bone Diseases Bone Diseases, Developmental Cardiovascular Abnormalities Cardiovascular Diseases Collagen Diseases Congenital Abnormalities Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Connective Tissue Diseases Dissecting Aneurysm Dissection, Blood Vessel Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Genetic Diseases, Inborn Heart Defects, Congenital Heart Diseases Hematologic Diseases Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases Hemorrhagic Disorders Hemostatic Disorders Joint Diseases Limb Deformities, Congenital Marfan Syndrome Musculoskeletal Abnormalities Musculoskeletal Diseases Nail Diseases Nail Patella Syndrome Nail-Patella Syndrome Skin Abnormalities Skin Diseases Skin Diseases, Genetic Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Stickler syndrome, type 1 Vascular Diseases

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

About this study

We will investigate the clinical manifestations and molecular genetic defects of heritable connective tissue disorders, concentrating on the Marfan, Stickler, and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Although each of these conditions has been known for many years, the full spectrum of the associated phenotypes continues to be expanded and the genetic etiology of these conditions has not been completely elucidated. In addition, many patients have features overlapping two or more of the described syndromes, precluding unequivocal diagnosis. The goals of this study are to further define and characterize the full phenotype and natural history of these disorders, and to perform genetic linkage, gene identification, mutation detection, and genotype/phenotype correlations in affected individuals and families. Individuals suspected to have Marfan, Stickler or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or a closely related disorder, as well as interested family members, will be enrolled. Participants will undergo genetic analyses and periodic clinical assessment. The expected outcomes will be improved clinical descriptions of the conditions and gene and mutation identification with analysis of genotype/phenotype correlations.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Individuals and their family members will be offered enrollment if they have a suspected or established diagnosis of Marfan, Stickler, Ehlers-Danlos, or a closely related syndrome.

Personal or family history of one or more of the following features in a pattern suggestive of a heritable connective tissue disorder:

Marfanoid body habitus;

Aortic dilatation and/or dissection;

Ectopia lentis, detached retina, vitreous degeneration and/or early onset high myopia;

Posterior cleft palate; joint laxity and/or dislocation;

Premature osteoarthritis;

Skin fragility, striae, easy bruisability and/or hyperextensibility;

Pectus excavatum or carinatum;

Scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and/or dural ectasia;

High frequency sensorineural hearing loss.

Exclusion criteria

Inability to provide informed consent.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

Nih

Registry information

Official study title

Clinical and Molecular Manifestations of Heritable Connective Tissue Disorders

Important dates

Study start: 1997
Study completion: 2002
First posted: Nov 4, 1999
Registry last updated: Mar 4, 2008

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed