Clinical Research Directory

Pathogenesis and Genetics of Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Uveal Coloboma (MAC)

Background: \- Uveal coloboma is a condition where the eye does not form normally. It occurs early in the fetus s development during pregnancy. It can lead to different kinds of eye problems, including blindness. Uveal coloboma is part of a spectrum of developmental eye conditions that include anophthalmia and microphthalmia, typically referred to as "MAC". Several genes have been linked to MAC, but the cause of most causes are hard to find. Researchers want to study the genes of people who have MAC and genes from their close, unaffected relatives (such as parents and siblings). Objectives: \- To study the genes associated with MAC. Eligibility: \- Individuals at least 1 years of age who either have MAC or are an unaffected relative (such as a parent or sibling). Design: * Participants will have a physical exam and medical history. They will also have a full eye exam. * Participants with MAC may have other exams, such as imaging studies and hearing assessments. * All participants will also provide blood, cheek swab or saliva or DNA samples for genetic testing.

Potential Environmental Causes of Uveal Coloboma

Background: Uveal coloboma is a congenital eye malformation. It is thought to be a genetic condition. But it might have environmental causes as well. Researchers want to study the mothers of children with coloboma. They will use parts of the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) Mother Questionnaire. NBDPS was a large study of birth defects. It collected data from 1997 to 2011. Researchers will use NBDPS and NIH data as well as the new survey to produce data that can serve as a basis for further study. Objective: To explore maternal factors and exposures during the first trimester of pregnancy as potential causes of uveal coloboma and to correlate exposure data to clinical data from affected children. Eligibility: Mothers of probands with coloboma who have taken part in NIH study 06-EI-0230, 04-EI-0039, or 13-EI-0049. Design: This is a hybrid study. It will use existing data from NBDPS and NIH studies. It will also use NBDPS for a new survey of mothers of children with coloboma. Participants will take the survey by phone. Their pregnancy records may be reviewed. They will be asked about: Important dates Health and medicines Tobacco, alcohol, and substance use Parents occupations Family demographics. The survey will take 1 hour or less to complete. Some data were obtained in past NIH studies. These data are largely from children. Some family data may be used as well. For example, eye exam data, gene test results, and family history of coloboma may be used. If a participant did not consent to the future use of their data, then their data will not be used. Data will be stored in a secure NIH database. ...

Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia, and Coloboma Genetic Epidemiology in Children

The investigators are inviting families to take part in a research study that will help us better understand the physical characteristics associated with children who have Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia, and Coloboma (MAC) and how changes in their DNA sequence, called genetic mutations, play a role in the risk of developing MAC