Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational
Official Title: Clinical and Molecular Manifestations of Human Skeletal Dysplasias and Short Stature
Brief Summary:
This study will determine the genes responsible for skeletal dysplasias (disorders of the skeleton) and short stature and define the range and type of medical problems they cause over time. It will investigate whether specific gene changes cause specific medical problems in these disorders and identify the signs and symptoms upon which their diagnoses must be based.
Individuals with short stature or with a skeletal dysplasia known or suspected to be caused by a gene mutation (change) may be eligible for this study. Family members may also participate. Skeletal dysplasias under study include: achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia, achondrogenesis type II, hypochondrogenesis, Kniest dysplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias, Stickler syndrome; Shmid and Jansen metaphyseal dysplasias; pyknodysotosis, proximal symphalangism, brachydactyly types B C and E, Ellis van Creveld and related disorders, metatrophic chondrodysplasias, cartilage-hair hypoplasia and disorders with a skeletal abnormality that have not yet been defined but might be the result of a genetic defect.
Patients will talk with two genetics specialists who will explain the study and its possible implications for the patient and family and answer questions. The patient's medical records will be reviewed, a personal and family history will be taken, and a physical examination will be done. Various other procedures that may be done include drawing up to 6 tablespoons of blood, some of which will be used for DNA (genetic) studies, X-rays, echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), eye examination, hearing test, sleep study, sperm analysis and skin biopsy (surgical removal of a small piece of skin done under local anesthetic). There may be additional evaluations by specialists in rheumatology, rehabilitation medicine and orthopedics. When