-
What is clubfoot?
- Why are we studying
clubfoot?
- What is the
clubfoot study?
- Who can enroll in the
clubfoot study?
- How do I join the
clubfoot
study?
-
Does
participation require any travel?
- Why do we need this
information?
-
How
can I get more information about the clubfoot study?
Clubfoot is an abnormality that affects either one or both of
the feet. The feet have an abnormal position, turning inward, and require casting and often
surgery. Males are affected twice as frequently as females. 4,000
babies are born with clubfoot each year in the United States and require medical
intervention. Clubfoot often occurs as an isolated event in a family but
can also occur in multiple family members. This research study is identifying the
factors that contribute to this common birth problem.
We are studying clubfoot because it is a common birth
problem and affects 1 out of every 1,000 newborn babies. Children with clubfoot require
that their feet be casted and often need to have one or more surgeries. The causes of
clubfoot are not known but
genes (the units of heredity) and environmental factors (such as smoking) are considered to be important.
Identification of the causes may allow development of new treatments and/or
identification of individuals who are at risk to have children with clubfoot.
The purpose of this research study is to identify the genes and
environmental factors causing isolated clubfoot. Isolated means that
only the feet are affected. We are collecting
information about specific exposures during pregnancy and obtaining blood samples
from which DNA will be made. DNA is the blueprint or roadmap that
determines how all parts of our body form. We will use the DNA to determine whether
specific genes are associated with clubfoot and will also correlate whether
specific types of exposures are linked to clubfoot.
Individuals born with clubfoot, their
parents, and other family members are invited to participate in this research study.
We are particularly interested in families in which there is more than one
family member with clubfoot. These can be sisters, brothers, parents,
aunts, uncles, grand parents, close and distant cousins.
Individuals and family members who join the
clubfoot study will:
Permission to contact additional relatives may also be requested
especially if there is a family history of clubfoot. All information is kept
strictly confidential. Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw
from the study at any time. This study has been approved by the
Institutional Review Board of the University of Texas Health and Science
Center - Houston.
No. The questionnaire can be completed by telephone or mail, and the
blood samples can be sent by mail. There are also no costs associated
with joining the clubfoot study.
Previous studies suggest that clubfoot is caused by a combination of genetic
(hereditary) and environmental risk factors. However, very little is actually known
about the specific causes of clubfoot. The information obtained from the study
may provide important clues.
To learn more about the clubfoot study and how to take part in the
research, please contact:
Elena Serna
Project Coordinator
Tel: (713) 500 - 5785
email:
Maria.E.Serna@uth.tmc.edu
The University of Texas
Health and Science Center at Houston
Medical School
6431 Fannin Street, Room 3.308
Houston, Texas 77030
Jacqueline T. Hecht,
PhD
Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Division of Medical Genetics
email:
Jacqueline.T.Hecht@uth.tmc.edu
The University of Texas
Health and Science Center at Houston
Medical School
6431 Fannin Street, Room 3.136
Houston, Texas 77030
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