Children's National

Human milk has several well-established benefits but does not adequately meet the increased nutritional demands of the growing preterm infant, necessitating additional nutrient supplementation in a process known as fortification. In U.S. neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), human milk is primarily supplemented using standardized fortification, in which a multicomponent fortifier is added to human milk to achieve assumed nutrient content based on standard milk reference values. However, this method does not account for the significant variability in human milk composition or in preterm infant metabolism, and up to half of all very premature infants experience poor growth and malnutrition using current nutritional practices. Poor postnatal growth has adverse implications for the developing preterm brain and long-term neurodevelopment. Recent advances allow for individualized methods of human milk fortification, including adjustable and targeted fortification. Adjustable fortification uses laboratory markers of protein metabolism (BUN level) to estimate an infant's protein requirements. In targeted fortification, a milk sample is analyzed to determine its specific macronutrient and energy content, with additional macronutrient supplementation provided as needed to achieve goal values. Emerging data suggest that both methods are safe and effective for improving growth, however information on their comparable efficacy and neurodevelopmental implications are lacking, particularly using advanced quantitative brain MRI (qMRI) techniques. Through this prospective, randomized-controlled trial, the investigators will compare the impact of individualized human milk fortification on somatic growth and neurodevelopment in preterm infants. Infants will be randomized to receive one of three nutritional interventions: standardized (control group), adjustable, or targeted human milk fortification. Infants will undergo their assigned nutritional intervention until term-equivalent age or discharge home, whichever is achieved first. Brain qMRI will be performed at term-corrected age, and neurodevelopmental follow-up will be performed through 5 years of age.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2024

open study

This is an open label, phase I dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety of coronavirus-specific T cell (CST) therapy for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised patients following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Participants will receive donor-derived CSTs for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection after HSCT (≥28 days and <4 months after HSCT). In this dose escalation trial, three doses (1x107/m2, 2x107/m2, and 4x107/m2) will be tested for safety, with study arms for adult (≥18 years of age and <80 years) HSCT recipients (Arm A) and pediatric (≥12 years of age and <18 years) HSCT recipients (Arm B), and defined dose escalations in each study arm. The study agent will be assessed for safety (stopping rules defined) and antiviral activity.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2021

open study

This phase II trial determines if the combination of ONC201 with different drugs, panobinostat or paxalisib, is effective for treating participants with diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs). Despite years of research, little to no progress has been made to improve outcomes for participants with DMGs, and there are few treatment options. ONC201, panobinostat, and paxalisib are all enzyme inhibitors that may stop the growth of tumor cells by clocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. This phase II trial assesses different combinations of these drugs for the treatment of DMGs.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2021

open study

This phase III trial compares the effects of nivolumab with chemo-immunotherapy versus chemo-immunotherapy alone in treating patients with newly diagnosed primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. Treatment for PMBCL involves chemotherapy combined with an immunotherapy called rituximab. Chemotherapy drugs work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody. It binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells (a type of white blood cell) and some types of cancer cells. This may help the immune system kill cancer cells. Giving nivolumab with chemo-immunotherapy may help treat patients with PMBCL.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2021

open study

Few studies are specifically designed to address health concerns that are already relevant during pregnancy. The consequence is a lack of evidence on best clinical practice. This includes mothers and their babies when pregnancy is complicated by an abnormally slow heart rate due to maternal antibody-mediated heart disease in the unborn baby (fetus). Since the late seventies, it has been possible to detect and monitor fetal disease by ultrasound images and to treat selected conditions with pharmaceuticals administered via the mother. To this day, physicians need to make decisions about the management of such pregnancies without evidence from prospective clinical trials on drug efficacy and safety. The SLOW HEART REGISTRY is a multi-centered prospective observational study that will address the knowledge gap to guide future management of high-degree immune-mediated heart block to the best of care. The study seeks to establish an international database of the management and outcome of affected fetuses, to be used to publish information on the results of currently available prenatal care and to evaluate the need for additional research.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Jan 2020

open study

The purpose of this initiative is to improve care and outcomes for infants with HLHS by expanding the NPC-QIC national registry to gather clinical care process, outcome, and developmental data on infants with HLHS between diagnosis and 12 months of age, by improving the use of standards into everyday practice across pediatric cardiology centers, and by engaging parents as partners in the process.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: May 2016

open study

This is an observational longitudinal study to determine the natural history and genotype-phenotype correlations of disease causing mutations in Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) type 1B (CMT1B), 2A (CMT2A), 4A (CMT4A), and 4C (CMT4C). The investigators will also be determine the capability of the newly developed CMT Pediatric Scale (CMT Peds scale) and the Minimal Dataset to measure impairment and perform longitudinal measurements in patients with multiple forms of CMT over a five year window

Type: Observational

Start Date: Apr 2010

open study

The purpose of this research study is to test a new device called the PUMA-G Pediatric System. The research will measure if the device works well to safely aid doctors placing gastrostomy feeding tubes in children. The PUMA-G Pediatric System is an investigational device that uses ultrasound and magnets to guide insertion of a feeding tube.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2023

open study

The objective of the International Rare Brain Tumor Registry (IRBTR) is to better understand rare brain tumors through the collection of biospecimens and matched clinical data of children, adolescents, and young adult patients diagnosed with rare brain tumors.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

The purpose of this study is to conduct post-marketing surveillance of carglumic acid (Carbaglu) to obtain long-term clinical safety information. Carglumic acid was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of acute hyperammonemia due to N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) deficiency. Much of the FDA-required data is already collected through the Longitudinal Study of Urea Cycle Disorders (RDCRN Protocol #5101). This study will collect additional data on adverse events (interim events), adverse reactions, pregnancy, and fetal outcomes.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Apr 2012

open study

The Myelin Disorders Biorepository Project (MDBP) seeks to collect and analyze clinical data and biological samples from leukodystrophy patients worldwide to support ongoing and future research projects. The MDBP is one of the world's largest leukodystrophy biorepositories, having enrolled nearly 2,000 affected individuals since it was launched over a decade ago. Researchers working in the biorepository hope to use these materials to uncover new genetic etiologies for various leukodystrophies, develop biomarkers for use in future clinical trials, and better understand the natural history of these disorders. The knowledge gained from these efforts may help improve the diagnostic tools and treatment options available to patients in the future.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Dec 2016

open study

The overarching hypothesis of the ARRC trial is that administration of Azithromycin (AZM) during acute, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-induced respiratory failure will be beneficial, mediated through the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 pathway.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2022

open study

The goal of this prospective, non-randomized, single-arm, feasibility study is to develop data to evaluate the safety and feasibility of ExAblate 4000 treatment of benign intracranial tumors which require clinical intervention in pediatric and young adult subjects. Indication of Use: Ablation of benign intracranial tumors in children and young adults which are ExAblate accessible.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2017

open study

The Study is designed to collect information about adverse events that occur in children undergoing anesthesia in participating hospitals. Demographic information will be collected on all anesthetics. An analysis of each adverse event will be performed and entered into the database. From this information we will devise strategies to prevent these adverse events.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Feb 2008

open study

The proposed research project will evaluate a novel behavioral intervention that promotes early adolescent food allergy self-management and adjustment through 1) food allergy education, 2) problem-solving, communication, assertiveness, and anxiety management skill building, and 3) peer support.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2023

open study

This Phase I dose-escalation trial is designed to determine the safety and feasibility of rapidly generated tumor multi-antigen associated specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (TAA-T) in patients with newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas DIPGs (Group A) or recurrent, progressive, or refractory non-brainstem CNS malignancies (Group B). Pediatric and adult patients who have high-risk CNS tumors known to typically have positivity for one or more Tumor Antigen Associated (TAA) (WT1, PRAME and/or Survivin) will be eligible. TAA-T will all be generated from patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Group A patients (DIPG): The first TAA-T dose will be infused any time 14 days or more after completion of radiotherapy. Group B patients (other recurrent/progressive/refractory CNS tumors): The first TAA-T dose will be infused any time 14 days or more after completing most recent course of conventional (non-investigational) therapy for their disease AND after appropriate washout periods as detailed in eligibility criteria.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2018

open study

This is a pilot study of LTLD with MR-HIFU hyperthermia followed by ablation in subjects with refractory/relapsed solid tumors.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2022

open study

An observational cohort study will be conducted to non-invasively investigate central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity in children with kidney disease and controls. Using an oscillometric monitor, the investigators aim to non-invasively obtain the central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV), or arterial stiffness, of children with kidney disease. The investigators will also enroll age- and race-matched healthy controls and measure the same parameters for comparison. In addition, the investigators will measure PWV by standard arterial tonometry method in a subset of patients.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jul 2021

open study

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) exhibit significantly reduced cognitive functioning (often difficulties with attention) compared to peers and siblings without SCD. EndeavorRx (Akili Interactive Labs: Boston, MA) is an FDA-approved home-based, electronic attentional-control training program designed to treat attention problems in youth. Users access EndeavorRx on a tablet device for 25-30 minutes each day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The program involves training in a game-like environment that repeatedly challenges attentional-control abilities and adapts to user performance, becoming more difficult over time as performance improves. This pilot study is examining the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of EndeavorRx in a sample of 20 children with SCD ages 8-16 who are being treated with chronic blood transfusion therapy.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2022

open study

The primary objective of the study is to determine engagement with use and adherence to a home exercise program with our PedBotHome ankle rehabilitation device. We will place the device in the home for 90 days and consider the study a success if used for at least 30 minutes a day for at least 3 days a week during this period.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jul 2022

open study

Severe Aplastic Anemia (SAA) is a rare condition in which the body stops producing enough new blood cells. SAA can be cured with immune suppressive therapy or a bone marrow transplant. Regular treatment for patients with aplastic anemia who have a matched sibling (brother or sister), or family donor is a bone marrow transplant. Patients without a matched family donor normally are treated with immune suppressive therapy (IST). Match unrelated donor (URD) bone marrow transplant (BMT) is used as a secondary treatment in patients who did not get better with IST, had their disease come back, or a new worse disease replaced it (like leukemia). This trial will compare time from randomization to failure of treatment or death from any cause of IST versus URD BMT when used as initial therapy to treat SAA. The trial will also assess whether health-related quality of life and early markers of fertility differ between those randomized to URD BMT or IST, as well as assess the presence of marrow failure-related genes and presence of gene mutations associated with MDS or leukemia and the change in gene signatures after treatment in both study arms. This study treatment does not include any investigational drugs. The medicines and procedures in this study are standard for treatment of SAA.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

Background: Genetic testing called "sequencing" helps researchers look at DNA. Genes are made of DNA and are the instructions for our bodies to function. We all have thousands of genes. DNA variants are differences in genes between two people. We all have lots of variants. Most are harmless and some cause differences like blue or brown eyes. A few variants can cause health problems. Objective: To understand the genetics of immune disorders various health conditions, as well as outcomes of clinical genomics and genetic counseling services performed under this protocol. Eligibility: Participants in other NIH human subjects research protocols - either at the NIH Clinical Center (CC) or at Children s National Health System (CNHS) - (aged 0-99 years), and, in select cases, their biological relatives Design: Researchers will study participant s DNA extracted from blood, saliva, or another tissue sample, including previously collected samples we may have stored at the NIH. Researchers will look at participant s DNA in great detail. We are looking for differences in the DNA sequence or structure between participants and other people. Participants will receive results that: - Are important to their health - Have been confirmed in a clinical lab - Suggest that they could be at risk for serious disease that may affect your current or future medical management. Some genetic information we return to participants may be of uncertain importance. If genetic test results are unrelated to the participant s NIH evaluations, then we will not typically report: - Normal variants - Information about progressive, fatal conditions that have no effective treatment - Carrier status (conditions you don t have but could pass on) The samples and data will be saved for future research. Personal data will be kept as private as possible. If future studies need new information, participants may be contacted.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jul 2017

open study

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the effectiveness and implementation of delivering Enhanced Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-B), an evidence-based maternal depression treatment, to mothers of children aged 4-11 years in an urban pediatric asthma clinic. Researchers will compare Enhanced IPT-B and supplemented usual care (brief care coordination). The main questions the trial aims to answer are: 1. Does Enhanced IPT-B decrease maternal depressive symptoms? 2. Does Enhanced IPT-B improve child asthma management and health outcomes (exacerbations, symptoms, control)? 3. What are the preliminary implementation outcomes of delivering Enhanced IPT-B in an urban pediatric asthma clinic?

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2024

open study

This study will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of udenafil, an orally administered, potent and selective inhibitor of PDE5, versus placebo for the treatment of adolescent who have had the Fontan procedure.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2023

open study

This phase II trial tests the safety, side effects, best dose and activity of tovorafenib (DAY101) in treating patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis that is growing, spreading, or getting worse (progressive), has come back (relapsed) after previous treatment, or does not respond to therapy (refractory). Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a type of disease that occurs when the body makes too many immature Langerhans cells (a type of white blood cell). When these cells build up, they can form tumors in certain tissues and organs including bones, skin, lungs and pituitary gland and can damage them. This tumor is more common in children and young adults. DAY101 may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Using DAY101 may be effective in treating patients with relapsed or refractory Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2024

open study