Evaluation and Intervention for the Effects of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Study Summary

We propose a longitudinal study of the natural history of types III and IV osteogenesis imperfecta for children age birth to 25 years. A consistent objective throughout this study is to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the natural history and progression of the multiple secondary features of osteogenesis imperfecta. In addition to radiographic, bone density, physical rehabilitation and dental manifestations, we will assess the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and audiology systems. The major objectives of this protocol focus on rehabilitation and physical therapy studies, pulmonary and cardiovascular function, neurological features, audiological studies and genetic and molecular biology aspects of OI. A major objective in this study is to expand the intensive rehabilitation and physical therapy studies of children with types III and IV OI. This objective continues the work that has been done in the Rehabilitation Department of the Clinical Center for the past 20 years on these patients. However, the focus of this objective is changing to include studies of scoliosis and its effect on function, studies of chest proportions and rib deformities, and studies of nonkinetic variables related to motor performance, such as temperament, competence, coping, and resilience in children with OI. The second major objective is the longitudinal study of pulmonary function in children with types III and IV OI. It is well known that cardiopulmonary complications are a major cause of disability and death in adults with OI; the developmental patterns of these complications, and whether susceptible individuals can be identified in childhood, is unknown. The third major objective of these studies of secondary features is to determine the incidence of basilar invagination and develop a monitoring and management plan for this neurological feature. Next, the prevalence, severity, age of onset and genotypic/phenotypic correlation of hearing loss among children with types II and

Conditions Studied

Study Locations (1)