Clinical Research Directory

Associations Between Dental Anomalies and Ocular, Cutaneous and Skin Appendages Features

Considering recent literature, it is possible to hypothesise a link between dental anomalies and ocular and/or cutaneous findings, given the existence of shared genetic and developmental mechanisms between these two anatomical areas. Both the eye and teeth develop from ectodermal and mesenchymal tissues, involving common molecular signalling pathways such as Wnt, BMP and PAX. Genetic variants affecting these pathways can therefore determine combined phenotypes, such as congenital cataracts associated with dental agenesis or enamel malformations. Some rare genetic syndromes, such as Nance-Horan syndrome and oculofacio-cardio-dental (OFCD) syndrome, support the hypothesis of a systemic correlation between odontogenesis and ocular development. In a previous study on congenital cataracts, nearly 10% of probands with variants in the BCOR, CWC27, IFIH1, NHS, and PAX6 genes had various dental abnormalities. Therefore, exploring the possible connection between eye and dental diseases may not only facilitate early and multidisciplinary diagnosis, but also open up new perspectives in genetic research and the development of personalised therapeutic approaches, for which whole genome sequencing (WGS) appears to be the first choice for investigating non-syndromic forms. Therefore, the current clinical study aims to identify variants in genes common to eye diseases and dental anomalies (agenesis, supernumerary teeth, Hutchinson's teeth, mulberry molars) in orthodontic patients over the age of 12 with dental anomalies who are about to begin orthodontic treatment or who are attending routine check-ups at the Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatrics Sciences at the University of Pavia who have a family history of ocular and cutaneous manifestations or presenting at the same time dental, ocular and/or cutaneous anomalies. Patients who are eligible will be invited to participate in the study. After signing the informed consent form, the Case Report Form will be completed to collect the data of interest for the study; previous medical reports will be asked to patients or parents/legal guardians in case of minors to ascertain ocular and cutaneous pathologies; a buccal swab will be taken to collect a DNA sample that will be analysed with Next Generation Sequencing. In addition, cephalometric evaluations will be performed if lateral teleradiographs will be available, if already performed in accordance with Good Clinical Practice for the purposes of orthodontic assessment of patients.

Five-Year Visual Function and Refractive Outcomes After Congenital Cataract Surgery

This prospective multicenter observational study aims to evaluate the 5-year visual function and refractive outcomes in children undergoing surgery for congenital cataract. Key outcomes include best-corrected visual acuity, stereopsis, refractive error, and axial length growth. The study will help identify long-term trends and prognostic indicators after early cataract intervention in pediatric patients.

Shanghai Pediatric Cataract Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term visual outcome of the cataract surgery using a large-scale and comprehensive database of pediatric cataract participants, including congenital and traumatic cataract. The investigators will further investigate into the various genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to the pathogenesis of pediatric cataract.

Glaucoma Following Pediatric Cataract Surgery

The purpose of this study is to report the incidence and related risk factors glaucoma following cataract surgery (GFCS). and to provide evidence-based evidence for the development of standardized follow-up methods or diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Comparison of Posterior Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorhexis With or Without Anterior Vitrectomy

Selecting the appropriate surgical approach for congenital cataracts presents challenging for ophthalmologists. This prospective, randomized controlled study aims to compare the prognosis of posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC) with or without anterior vitrectomy (A-Vit) in treating congenital cataracts.