Clinical Trial: Study of Genetic Risk Factors for Spina Bifida and Anencephaly
Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Observational
Official Title: The Spina Bifida Research Resource
Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to describe the genetic contribution to the neural tube defects spina bifida (SB) and anencephaly (A), which includes identifying patients, defining the roles of certain genes, and studying gene-environment interactions.
Detailed Summary:
The terms spina bifida and anencephaly include a range of developmental malformations that result from abnormal or incomplete closure of the neural tube. Despite advances in treatment and prenatal detection, these conditions remain as one of the most common and serious groups of birth defects. Spina bifida is associated with both increased mortality and morbidity, and anencephaly is always fatal. The occurrence of these conditions has a profound influence on affected individuals and their families and important public health implications. The etiology of NTDs has been of considerable interest for several decades. They are known to be etiologically heterogeneous and to occur in association with chromosome abnormalities, teratogenic exposures, and occasionally as part of single gene disorders. However, a specific causative agent cannot be identified in the vast majority of affected individuals. The etiology of NTDs in these "non-syndromic" patients is believed to be complex and to involve both genetic and environmental risk factors. Using a comprehensive research program, this study will evaluate the potential genetic determinants of SB and anencephaly in a large, well-characterized sample.
The family constellation used in this study consists of the proband (individual with an NTD - SB or A) and the proband's biologic parents and maternal grandparents. Blood or saliva samples are obtained from individuals and their families. Genomic DNA from all study participants is prepared from the samples, and genetic loci are evaluated. The proband, or his/her parents, complete a study questionnaire to obtain family history and epidemiologic information.
Sponsor: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Current Primary Outcome: Genetic loci identification and comparisons [ Time Frame: After DNA sampling ]
Original Primary Outcome:
Current Secondary Outcome:
Original Secondary Outcome:
Information By: Office of Rare Diseases (ORD)
Dates:
Date Received: February 26, 2002
Date Started: September 2000
Date Completion: September 2012
Last Updated: October 4, 2010
Last Verified: May 2009
