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Evaluation and Treatment of Patients With Connective Tissue Disease

NCT00076830 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 180

Last updated 2026-05-22

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study offers evaluation and treatment of patients with a suspected connective tissue disorder. The protocol is not designed to test new treatments; rather, patients receive standard care. The study is designed to: 1) allow NICHD's staff to learn more about connective tissue disorders, 2) train physicians in the evaluation and treatment of these disorders; and 3) establish a pool of patients who may be eligible for other NICHD protocols for connective tissue disorders. (Participants in this protocol will not be required to join another study; the decision will be voluntary.)

Patients of all ages with a suspected connective tissue disorder and their unaffected family members may be eligible for this study.

Participants undergo diagnostic procedures that may include a medical history, physical examination, X-ray studies, eye examinations, and blood drawing, as well as other specialized tests, when needed. Additional tests may include:

* Blood test for DNA genetic analysis
* Skin biopsy: Removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination. The area of skin selected for the biopsy is numbed and a small circle of skin, usually from the upper arm, is removed with a surgical cookie cutter-like instrument.
* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show structural and chemical changes in tissues. The patient lies on a table that slides into a narrow cylinder containing a magnetic field. Ear plugs are worn to muffle loud knocking and thumping sounds that occur with electrical switching of the magnetic fields.
* Computed tomography (CT) scans: This test allows the doctor to view the organs inside the body in small sections. The patient lies in a doughnut-like machine. Scanning can be done from different angles, allowing a three dimensional picture of the part of the body being studied. It may be done with or without injection of a contrast material.
* Referral to appropriate sub-specialists when potential complications are found.

Conditions

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

    lead NIH

Principal Investigators

  • Joshua J Zimmerberg, M.D. · Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Eligibility

Max Age
70 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2004-05-18

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT00076830 on ClinicalTrials.gov