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CompletedNCT00001536Updated Mar 4, 2008

Issues Surrounding Prenatal Genetic Testing for Achondroplasia

An observational study in Achondroplasia and Dwarfism, sponsored by National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). Completed at 1 site in United States. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2008-03-04.

Sponsored by National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) · Observational

Study type
Observational
Enrollment
2,000
Sex
All
01

Study summary

Since the gene responsible for achondroplasia was identified in 1994, it has become possible to test for achondroplasia prenatally. Moreover, prenatal genetic testing for achondroplasia is relatively simple and is highly likely to be informative for any couple seeking testing. Four diagnostic laboratories in the U.S. are currently performing prenatal genetic testing for achondroplasia. Before prenatal genetic testing for achondroplasia becomes more widely available, however, it is essential that we learn more about the lives of affected individuals and their families, the implications of offering testing for achondroplasia, and the education and the counseling needs of this community. Personal interviews and stories have been published and discussed at national meetings (Ablon 1984). We conducted a pilot telephone interview survey of 15 individuals with achondroplasia. What is needed now is a large scale quantitative study of the community of little people and their families. To meet this need, we have developed a survey tool to analyze family relationships, quality of life, tendencies toward optimism or pessimism, information-avoiding or information-seeking behaviors, social support, involvement in Little People of America Inc. (LPA), self-esteem, sociodemographics and views on achondroplasia, religiousness, reproductive and family plans, genetic testing, and abortion. The self-administered survey will be completed nationally by a sample of persons with achondroplasia and their family members.

Read the detailed description

Since the gene responsible for achondroplasia was identified in 1994, it has become possible to test for achondroplasia prenatally. Moreover, prenatal genetic testing for achondroplasia is relatively simple and is highly likely to be informative for any couple seeking testing. Four diagnostic laboratories in the U.S. are currently performing prenatal genetic testing for achondroplasia. Before prenatal genetic testing for achondroplasia becomes more widely available, however, it is essential that we learn more about the lives of affected individuals and their families, the implications of offering testing for achondroplasia, and the education and the counseling needs of this community. Personal interviews and stories have been published and discussed at national meetings (Ablon 1984). We conducted a pilot telephone interview survey of 15 individuals with achondroplasia. What is needed now is a large scale quantitative study of the community of little people and their families. To meet this need, we have developed a survey tool to analyze family relationships, quality of life, tendencies toward optimism or pessimism, information-avoiding or information-seeking behaviors, social support, involvement in Little People of America Inc. (LPA), self-esteem, sociodemographics and views on achondroplasia, religiousness, reproductive and family plans, genetic testing, and abortion. The self-administered survey will be completed nationally by a sample of persons with achondroplasia and their family members.

02

Conditions studied

  • Achondroplasia
  • Dwarfism

Keywords

  • Disability
  • Dwarfism
  • Ethics in Genetic Counseling
  • Quality of Life
  • Reproductive Issues
  • Support Groups
  • Achondroplasia
03

In context

Achondroplasia

47 studies on the registry are indexed under Achondroplasia; 14 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 2,000 is above the median of 200 across 19 observational studies indexed under Achondroplasia.

Browse Achondroplasia studies →

Lead sponsor

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is the lead sponsor of 199 studies on the registry; 32 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
Child (0–17), Adult (18–64), Older adult (65+)
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Eligibility criteria

Adult individuals of either gender with achondroplasia and their first degree relatives (both short and average statured) of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

No short-statured persons with conditions other than achondroplasia.

No average-statured family members of short statured persons with conditions other than achondroplasia.

No minors less than 18 years of age.

05

Study design

Enrollment
2,000 participants
06

Study locations

1 site
  • National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
    Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
07

References and documents

Publications

  • Bellus GA, Escallon CS, Ortiz de Luna R, Shumway JB, Blakemore KJ, McIntosh I, Francomano CA. First-trimester prenatal diagnosis in couple at risk for homozygous achondroplasia. Lancet. 1994 Nov 26;344(8935):1511-2. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(94)90332-8. No abstract available. PubMed 7968151 ↗
  • Bellus GA, Hefferon TW, Ortiz de Luna RI, Hecht JT, Horton WA, Machado M, Kaitila I, McIntosh I, Francomano CA. Achondroplasia is defined by recurrent G380R mutations of FGFR3. Am J Hum Genet. 1995 Feb;56(2):368-73. PubMed 7847369 ↗
  • Elejalde BR, de Elejalde MM, Hamilton PR, Lombardi JM. Prenatal diagnosis in two pregnancies of an achondroplastic woman. Am J Med Genet. 1983 Jul;15(3):437-9. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.1320150308. PubMed 6881210 ↗
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Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Mar 4, 2008, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
09

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT00001536
Lead sponsor
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
First posted
Dec 10, 2002
Start date
Aug 1996
Completion
Jul 2000
Last update
Mar 4, 2008
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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This study is completed, as verified in Aug 1999. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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