NCT02089789 · National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Clinical and Basic Investigations Into Known and Suspected Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation
What this study is about
Background: \- Proteins, fats, and other molecules are the body s building blocks. Many of these molecules must have sugars, or chains of sugars, attached to work properly. People with congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) cannot attach these sugars or sugar chains properly.
View original scientific description
Background: \- Proteins, fats, and other molecules are the body s building blocks. Many of these molecules must have sugars, or chains of sugars, attached to work properly. People with congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) cannot attach these sugars or sugar chains properly. A child or adult with a CDG can have symptoms in different parts of the body, including brain, nerves, muscles, liver, and immune system. Researchers want to learn more about these diseases to understand better what is causing the problems. Objective: \- To learn more about CDGs. Eligibility: \- People 1 month to 2 years old may be seen as outpatients or by telehealth. Patients 2-80 years with CDG or suspected to have a CDG may be seen under this protocol as inpatients, outpatients or by teleheath. Design: * CDG participants may be seen as inpatients, outpatients or by teleheath. Inpatient stays may last 2-5 days. * They will have:-Medical history and physical exam. They will answer questions about their CDG. * Blood taken several times. Their skin will be numbed, then a needle will take blood from an arm vein. * Samples taken of their skin, urine, and maybe stool and spinal fluid. * Photos taken of their whole body. They can wear underwear and cover their eyes. * Brain MRI. They will lie on a table that slides in and out of a metal cylinder. The scanner makes loud knocking noises so they can wear earplugs. * Abdomen ultrasound. Sound waves take images of the body from the outside. * Hand/wrist X-rays for young patients. They may have a full-body X-ray. * DEXA bone density scan. Participants will lie on a table under a scanner. * Echocardiogram and electrocardiogram for heart activity. Pads are stuck on the skin and the electrical activity of the heart is recorded. * Tests of hearing, thinking, motor skills, and speech. * Children participants may have tests done under sedation if it will benefit them directly. * CDG participants may have other procedures during their visit. They may have follow-up visits every year.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participants 1 month or older will have been or will be referred to this protocol with a known or suspected CDG. Participants over two years of age will be admitted only if they are medically stable and require admission to the Clinical Center for diagnosis. One or more probands may be admitted to the NIH Clinical Center for investigation as well as carrier family members. Some participants will be relatives of patients with known CDG s, and their specimens will be obtained for the purpose of heterozygote testing and to serve as controls to help diagnose the proband. Participants may be seen as inpatients, outpatients or via Telehealth. In some cases, biologic samples may be obtained remotely and sent to the Gahl lab.
Exclusion criteria
- Participants under 1 month of age will not be seen at the NIH Clinical center because care is more readily proffered to older individuals at the Clinical Center.
- Participants over two years of age will not be admitted if they are medically unstable and do not require admission to the Clinical Center for diagnosis.
- Pregnant women and newborns are excluded.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations