Background: The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph through the body. Problems in the lymphatic system can cause pain, fluid buildup, and issues with immunity. There is much researchers do not understand about lymphatic anomalies. In this natural history study, they will collect data from a lot of people over a long time. Objective: To better understand why lymphatic anomalies develop. The goal is to improve future treatments. Eligibility: People aged 0 days and older with a suspected or confirmed lymphatic anomaly. Their unaffected parents or siblings aged 7 years or older are also needed. Design: Participants may remain in the study indefinitely. Affected participants may be evaluated every 10 months to 2 years. Some participants will be seen over telemedicine. Others will be seen at the NIH Clinical Center for 2-5 days. All participants will have a physical exam. They may provide specimens including blood, saliva, hair follicles, stool, skin, and other tissues. Samples may be used for genetic testing. Participants may undergo other tests depending on their medical conditions. The NIH Clinical Center visit may include: Heart tests include placing stickers on the chest to measure electrical activity and using sound waves to capture pictures of the heart. A lung test measures the muscle strength in the chest. Participants will blow into a tube. Photographs may be taken of participants faces and other features. Imaging scans will take pictures of the inside of the body. One scan will measure bone density. One type of scan tracks how lymph fluid moves through the body. Participants will be under anesthesia, and they will be injected with a dye.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Mar 2023

open study

This study will explore the causes of rheumatic diseases and why many of them affect certain minority communities more severely. Rheumatic diseases may cause joint pain, stiffness or swelling. Some can involve bones, muscles, tendons or ligaments. Some cause abnormalities of the immune system-the body s defense against disease. Some rheumatic diseases are painful or deforming and some can be life threatening. Information obtained from this study will be used to learn about the disparities in rheumatic disease in the minority community and to design further, more targeted, research studies to address this issue. Patients with known or suspected rheumatic disease 18 years of age or older may be eligible for this study. Candidates will undergo a medical history and physical examination to confirm the diagnosis of rheumatic disease and determine what is needed for evaluation and treatment. Participants will receive standard medical care for rheumatic disease and arthritis. No experimental treatments, medications or procedures will be included in this study. Procedures may include routine blood tests for blood chemistries, cell counts, and antibodies commonly found in patients with rheumatic disease; a urine test for proteins and cells; and X-rays and other imaging tests to check for abnormalities in the lungs or other organs. All medical information will be kept confidential. Patients who are found to be eligible for other current NIH research studies will be offered an opportunity to participate in these studies.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Oct 2001

open study

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. The disease affects the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. Research has shown that curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric, can improve the health of red blood cells in people with SCD. But the body cannot absorb curcumin well when it is taken by mouth. Researchers want to know if a skin gel (VAS-101) can help the body better absorb curcumin. VAS-101 contains curcumin, which comes from turmeric. Objective: To test VAS-101 in people with stable SCD. Eligibility: People aged 18 to 70 years with stable SCD. Design: People who want to join the study will be screened with physical exam with blood tests to see if they are eligible. If they qualify, they can enroll in the study. Participants will have up to 15 clinic visits over about 14 weeks. Some may need to stay overnight in the hospital for up to 2 days to make it easier to collect blood samples after the gel is applied. For 6 weeks, a special gel called VAS-101 will be put on the forearms in the clinic two times a week. Staff will rub the gel into the skin for at least 30 seconds using a soft toothbrush. The area stays uncovered for at least 10 minutes, then is covered with a bandage or sleeve. After 24 hours, the dressing can be removed and the skin can be washed. Some visits will include blood tests and other exams. On three visits, a test called near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) will be done. For this test, probes are placed on the skin to measure blood flow, oxygen levels, and the makeup of skin and muscle. A blood pressure cuff is used to squeeze the arm for up to 5 minutes. The last clinic visit will happen about 4 weeks after the final gel application....

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2026

open study

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL),small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma (ALL) are blood cancers that affect certain white blood cells. Advanced forms of these diseases are difficult to treat. CD19 is a protein often found on the surfaces of these cancer cells. Researchers can modify a person's own immune cells (T cells) to target CD19. When these modified T cells are returned to the body-a treatment called anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy-they may help kill cancer cells. Objective: To test anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy in people with CLL or SLL and ALL. Eligibility: People aged 18 years and older with CLL or SLL and ALL that has not been controlled with standard drugs. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have imaging scans and tests of their heart function. If a sample of tissue from their tumor is not available, a new one may be taken; the sample will be tested for CD19. Participants will receive a drug to reduce the leukemia cells in their blood. Then they will undergo apheresis: Blood will be taken from the body through a needle. The blood will pass through a machine that separates out the T cells. The remaining blood will be returned to the body through a different needle. The collected T cells will be gene edited to make them attack cells with CD19. Participants will take drugs to prepare them for treatment for 3 days. These drugs will start 5 days before the treatment. Then their own modified CAR T cells will be returned to their bloodstream. Participants will stay in the hospital for at least 9 days after the treatment. Follow-up visits will continue for 5 years.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2024

open study

Background: Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) gene regulates the formation of blood cells. People with mutations of this gene may bleed or bruise easily; they are also at higher risk of getting cancers of the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Objective: The purpose of the study includes determining which dose of imatinib is best for people with pathogenic or likely pathogenic RUNX1 mutations without blood cancers, and to determine whether there are any changes in platelet function and inflammatory markers. Eligibility: Adults aged 18 and older with RUNX1 mutations. Healthy people without this mutation, including family members of affected participants, are also needed. Design: Participants with the RUNX1 mutation will be screened. They will have a physical exam with blood tests. They will have a test of their heart function. They may need a new bone marrow biopsy if they haven't had one in the past year. Imatinib is a tablet taken by mouth once a day, every day, at home. Affected participants in different parts of the study will take imatinib for either 28 days or up to 84 days. They will fill out questionnaires about how they are feeling. For the first part of the study, participants will have blood tests every 2 weeks, either at home or at the NIH, while they are taking the imatinib. They will have a follow up visit, at home or at the NIH, when they are done taking imatinib on Day 28. Participants on the second part of the study will come to NIH on days 1 and days 84. They will have blood tests every 2 weeks (at home or the NIH) while they are taking imatinib. They may opt to have a bone marrow biopsy repeated after they finish their course of imatinib. Participants will have a follow-up visit (at home or the NIH) 30 days after they stop taking imatinib. Participants who do not have the RUNX1 mutation will have 1 clinic visit. They will have blood tests. They will fill out questionnaires. They may opt to have a bone marrow biopsy.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2023

open study

Background: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are disorders of blood stem cells that can develop into blood cancers. Treatment options are limited. To find better treatments, researchers need to better understand how MDS develops. To do that, they must be able to compare biospecimens from people with the disease to those of healthy people. Objective: This study will create a database of biospecimens collected from healthy volunteers. Eligibility: Healthy people aged 18 and older. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam with blood and urine tests. Up to 5 types of samples will be collected on 1 or more days within 1 month of screening: Blood: Blood will be drawn by inserting a needle into a vein. Saliva: Participants will scrape the insides of their cheeks with a brush. Stool: Participants will be given a container to collect stool at home. They will use a prepaid envelope to mail in the sample. Bone marrow: A sample of the soft tissue inside the bones will be drawn out. The area to be biopsied, usually the lower back, will be numbed. A needle will be inserted through a small cut to remove the sample. Participants' pain will be monitored; additional numbing medicine may be used. Skin: A piece of skin about 1/6 of an inch across will be cut away. Stitches may be used to close the wound. Participants will return to the clinic to have the stitches removed. Participants do not have to provide all of the samples listed. They will give each sample only once.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is form of non-invasive brain stimulation. It is approved to treat depression. TMS may help decrease drug craving. It is important to understand how TMS affects the brain. Such a better understanding would help to design ways to treat drug addiction. Objectives: To learn how TMS affects the brain when it stimulates an area in the front of the brain. Also, to see how the stimulation affects the area stimulated and other connected areas. Eligibility: Healthy, right-handed adults ages 18-60 who are non-drug users. Design: Participants will be screened under protocol 06-DA-N415. Participants will have at least 3 visits. The first visit will last about 3 hours. All other visits will last up to 6 hours. Participants cannot use drugs or alcohol at least 24 hours before a visit. They cannot have more than half a cup of a caffeinated drink at least 12 hours before a visit. Each visit will include a brief medical history update, urine test for drugs and pregnancy (if female), a breath test for alcohol and smoking, and questionnaires. Participants will have a TMS orientation visit. A wire coil will be placed on the head. An electrical current will pass through the coil to create a magnetic pulse that stimulates the brain. The other visits will include 2 sessions of TMS-MRI. Participants will lie on a table that slides into a cylinder. The TMS coil and the MRI coil will be placed over the head. Pictures will be taken of the brain with and without stimulation. Participants will complete a questionnaire about how they feel before and after each TMS session and in a follow-up call 1-3 days after their last session.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2018

open study

Background: - About 17 million adults had an alcohol use disorder in 2012. Researchers want to follow people that have alcohol problems and want treatment, as well as those who do not want treatment and healthy volunteers. They also want to gather information on people with and without alcohol problems, including information on genes and biological processes in the body.. This will help them better understand, prevent, and treat alcohol problems. Objective: -To look at a broad range of traits in people who are healthy people and people with alcohol problems. To study them for potential eligibility for other research protocols conducted at the NIH Clinical Center. Eligibility: - Adults age 18 and older. - Not being pregnant or imprisoned. Design: - Participants will have a physical exam. They will answer questions about their health and alcohol and drug use. They will have an electrocardiogram to check their heart. They will have blood, urine, and breath alcohol tests. - Participants without alcohol problems, or who have them but do not want treatment, can sign the second consent for screening and research. - Participants that have alcohol problems and want treatment will be treated at the NIH Clinical Center. They will be offered to sign the second consent at a later time. - Participants may join an inpatient treatment and detox program. It could last up to 6 weeks. Or they may join an outpatient program. Some may do both. - After discharge, participants may be called and asked questions about their drinking and health. - If participants sign the second consent, they: - will complete paper- and computer-based questionnaires. - will give blood samples. - may have a brain scan using magnetic resonance imaging. They will lie on a table that slides in and out of a cylinder that takes pictures. The machine makes loud noises. They will get earplugs.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 2015

open study

Background: - The third molars (wisdom teeth) normally grow in during late adolescence or early adulthood. Many people need or choose to have these teeth removed with oral surgery. Normally, the removed teeth and tissue are thrown away as medical waste. However, oral health researchers want to collect the teeth and tissue for research. They also want to encourage dentists at the National Institutes of Health to improve their skills in oral surgery. This study will collect the teeth and tissue of people who need to have oral surgery to remove their wisdom teeth. Objectives: - To provide continued dental skills training for dentists at the National Institutes of Health. - To collect teeth and tissue samples following wisdom tooth removal surgery. Eligibility: - Individuals between 16 and 50 who need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Design: - This study will involve a minimum of three visits. There will be a screening visit, a surgery visit, and at least one follow-up visit. - Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. A full dental exam with x-rays will be given to evaluate the need for surgery. - At the second visit, participants will have oral surgery to remove their wisdom teeth. The teeth and tissue removed during the surgery will be collected for study. - Participants will receive drugs to control the pain after surgery. They will also be able to contact a dentist if there are any problems. - Between 7 and 21 days after surgery, participants will have a followup visit to check the healing. If they are having no problems, this will be the last visit. If there are any postsurgery issues, they will be scheduled for additional visits as needed.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jun 2013

open study

Background: - Bronchiectasis is a disease characterized by airways that are inflamed, abnormally dilated, and chronically infected. Individuals with bronchiectasis have a history of chronic and recurring respiratory infections. Depending on the underlying cause, these infections may involve the entire respiratory tract, resulting in sinus, ear, and lung disease. - Bronchiectasis continues to be a significant problem in developing countries and in specific groups of individuals, particularly in people who have cystic fibrosis. Although treatments are available or under development for bronchiectasis related to cystic fibrosis, many of the disease-specific treatments may not be effective for bronchiectasis not related to cystic fibrosis. Objectives: - To study the natural history of bronchiectasis to identify inherited and immune factors that may explain why certain individuals have chronic recurring infections. Eligibility: - Individuals 5 years of age and older who have an established diagnosis of bronchiectasis or a history of chronic/recurring respiratory infections. - Direct family members (e.g., parents, siblings, children) of patients in the study may also be asked to participate. Design: - Potential participants will be screened with an initial clinic evaluation and full medical history, as well as a general quality of life and respiratory symptom questionnaire. - The following standard procedures may be done as part of the study: air sampling from the nose; imaging studies, which may include an x-ray or computed tomography (CT), lung function tests; and collection of samples of blood, urine, and sputum (phlegm or mucus). Other tests may be performed as required by the researchers, and will be explained to patients as needed. - Both patients and relatives (if asked to participate) will provide the following samples: blood or buccal (cheek swab) cells for genetic testing, sputum, and urine. - To prevent infections and potential disease progression, patients may receive standard medical care and treatment for bronchiectasis and related infections during this protocol.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Aug 2009

open study

Background: Allergic and inflammatory conditions have been increasing over the years. Many factors may play a role in this. Every day, people are exposed to pollution and chemicals in our foods, clothing, and all of the cleaning, hygiene, and other products we use. Studies have suggested there may be links between these environmental exposures and allergic and inflammatory illnesses. Researchers want to know more about how these exposures affect our health. Objective: To learn how everyday exposure to common substances affects people's health. Eligibility: Healthy people aged 18 to 80 years. Design: Participants will have 2 stays in the hospital. Each stay will last 7 days, and the stays will be spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. During both stays, participants will remain confined to their room. They will eat only food from the menu, and they will use only provided products for personal care. (They may bring their own electronic devices, such as their phone and computer.) One stay will be in a pure room. Participants will breathe filtered air, eat unprocessed foods, and use personal care products with fewer chemicals. One stay will be in a room that allows exposure to common environmental chemicals. Some participants will be limited to only 1 type of exposure: chemicals thought to affect only skin, gut, or respiratory health. Some participants will be exposed to all 3 types. Participants will undergo testing. Blood, skin cell, urine, mouth swabs, and stool samples will be taken. They will have lung tests, smell tests, and tests that measure the health of their skin. These tests will be repeated in outpatient visits 2 weeks after each hospital stay....

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2026

open study

Background: About 5 million adults in the United States have age-related brain disorders. These include Alzheimer disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and other dementias. The number of people with these disorders will likely increase as the population ages and life span increases. Inflammation is thought to play a role in AD and MCI. Researchers want to know if an enzyme called PDE4B increases inflammation in people with AD or MCI. Objective: To test whether medical imaging using a new radiotracer ([18F]PF-06445974) can measure PDE4B in the brains of people with AD or MCI. Eligibility: People aged 50 years and older with AD or MCI. Healthy volunteers are also needed. Design: Participants will have up to 5 clinic visits with 3 imaging scans of the brain. They will have be screened. They will have a physical exam with blood tests. This will include tests of their heart and nerve function, including memory. Participants will have 2 positron emission tomography (PET) scans. One will use a standard radiotracer. The other will use the study radiotracer. They will receive each tracer through a tube attached to a needle inserted into a vein. During the scan with the study tracer, participants will have a second tube inserted into a vein in the wrist; this tube will be used to draw blood during the scan. Participants will lie on a bed that slides into a doughnut-shaped machine. These visits will take about 6 hours each. Participants will have 1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. They will lie on a bed that slides into a cylinder. This visit will take up to 2 hours....

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2026

open study

Background: SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. Some people who recover from COVID-19 have long-term symptoms that affect the brain. These include headaches; loss of taste and smell; sleep problems; thinking problems; depression; and anxiety. Researchers want to know if a tracer (a substance that is injected into a person s body before an imaging scan) can help identify inflammation in people with these brain disorders. Objective: To see if a radioactive tracer ([11C]PS13) can highlight brain inflammation in those who had COVID-19 but still have symptoms that affect the brain. Eligibility: Adults aged 18 to 70 years with post COVID-19 brain disorders who are enrolled in protocol 000089 or 000711. Healthy volunteers are also needed. Design: Participants will have up to 5 clinic visits. Participants will be screened. They will have blood tests and a test of their heart function. They will have imaging scans: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): They will lie on a table that slides into a metal tube. Pictures will be taken of the brain. Positron emission tomography (PET): A needle attached to a thin tube will be inserted into a vein in the arm. The tracer will be injected through the tube. Another needle attached to a thin tube will be inserted into the wrist or inside of the elbow of the other arm to draw blood. They will lie still on a bed while a machine captures images of their brain. The scan will last about 2 hours. Study involvement is 11 to 14 weeks....

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2025

open study

Background: Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, can have serious effects on a person s life. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to have heart disease and abuse substances. In this natural history study, researchers would like to learn more about the connection between exercise and mental health in people with and without mood disorders. Objective: To better understand relationships among physical activity, sleep, and mental health. Eligibility: People aged 8 to 60 years with a history of a mood disorder. Healthy spouses and relatives with no mood disorders are also needed. Design: Participants will be in the study up to 2 years. For up to 20 days in a row, at 4 times during the study, participants will: Complete an electronic diary on their smartphone. Participants will answer questions about their mood, health, sleep, and daily activities. Wear an activity monitor, like a wristwatch, that records how much they move. Wear a light sensor, as a necklace, to record the amount of light in their environment. Some participants will do additional tests. Twice during the study, for 3 days in a row, they will: Wear monitors to record their temperature, heart rate, and sleep. Provide saliva samples. Complete cognitive tasks on their smartphone. Participants will visit the NIH clinic 2 times. They will have a physical exam, with blood and urine tests. They will wear a heart monitor. They will ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes. They may have an imaging scan. Some participants will stay overnight. They will go to sleep wearing a cap to measure their brain activity.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Nov 2023

open study

Background: The current standard treatment of prostate cancer is either surgery or radiation. Typically, this includes either the removal or radiation of the whole prostate gland. Many people now seek out focal therapy options to decrease the side effects of treatment. Until now, several forms of physical destruction with heat (thermal ablation), cold (cryotherapy), sound waves (HIFU), laser (FLA), and electrical energy (IRE). A new type of radiation (SBRT) may be an effective way to cure men of early-stage prostate cancer with fewer side effects than standard treatments. Objective: To see how people with untreated localized prostate cancer will respond to focal therapy with SBRT. Eligibility: People aged 18 years and older with untreated localized prostate cancer (prostate cancer which has not spread outside of the prostate gland). Design: - Participants will undergo screening including blood tests, an MRI, a PSMA PET/CT (18F-DCFPyL), and a biopsy. - Small, non-radioactive, gold seeds about the size of a grain of rice will be placed in and/or around the tumor to help target the radiation treatment. - Radiation (SBRT) will occur in 2 separate sessions about 1 week apart. No sedation is used, these sessions are painless. Each session will take about 1-2 hours. Participants can go home afterwards. - Follow-up will continue for 2 years with repeat scans (MRI and PSMA PET/CT) and blood (PSA) tests. - After two years, a biopsy will be done to understand the impact of this new treatment on prostate cancer.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2023

open study

Background: - Recent advances in cancer research have led to new therapies to treat the disease. It is important to continue these advances and discover new ones. To do that, researchers need tissue samples from solid tumors. This study will collect such samples from people already scheduled to have a procedure at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (NIHCC). Objectives: - To collect tissue samples for use in studying new ways to treat tumors. Eligibility: - Adults 18 years and older, with a precancerous or cancerous solid tumor who are scheduled to have surgery or a biopsy at the NIHCC. - Children under the age of 18 but who are older than 2 years of age are eligible to be enrolled on the research sample collection portion of this study if they will have a biopsy or surgery as part of their medical care. Design: - Before their procedure, participants will have a small blood sample taken. - Some participants will undergo leukapheresis. In this procedure, blood is removed through a tube in one arm and circulated through a machine that removes white blood cells. The blood, minus the white blood cells, is returned through a tube in the other arm. The procedure takes 3-4 hours. - For all participants, during the surgery or biopsy, pieces of the tumor and pieces of normal tissue near it will be removed for this study. The rest of the tumor or precancerous growth will be sent to a lab for analysis. - Participants will return to the clinic about 6 weeks after the operation for a routine checkup. Some may have to return for additional follow-up.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jul 2013

open study

Background: - Stem cell transplants from related donors (allogenic stem cell transplants) can be used to treat individuals with certain kinds of severe blood diseases or cancers, such as severe anemia. Allogenic stem cell transplants encourage the growth of new bone marrow to replace that of the recipient. Because stem cell transplants can have serious complications, researchers are interested in developing new approaches to stem cell transplants that will reduce the likelihood of these complications. - By reducing the number of white blood cells included in the blood taken during the stem cell collection process, and replacing them with a smaller amount of white blood cells collected prior to stem cell donation, the stem cell transplant may be less likely to cause severe complications for the recipient. Researchers are investigating whether altering the stem cell transplant donation procedure in this manner will improve the likelihood of a successful stem cell transplant with fewer complications. Objectives: - To evaluate a new method of stem cell transplantation that may reduce the possibly of severe side effects or transplant rejection in the recipient. Eligibility: - Recipient: Individuals between 4 and 80 years of age who have been diagnosed with a blood disease that can be treated with allogenic stem cell transplants. - Donor: Individuals between 4 and 80 years of age who are related to the recipient and are eligible to donate blood. OR unrelated donors found through the National Marrow Donor Program. Design: - All participants will be screened with a physical examination and medical history. - DONORS: - Donors will undergo an initial apheresis procedure to donate white blood cells. - After the initial donation, donors will receive injections of filgrastim to release bone marrow cells into the blood. - After 5 days of filgrastim injections, donors will have apheresis again to donate stem cells that are present in the blood. - RECIPIENTS: - Recipients will provide an initial donation of white blood cells to be used for research purposes only. - From 7 days before the stem cell transplant, participants will be admitted to the inpatient unit of the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and will receive regular doses of cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, and anti-thymocyte globulin to suppress their immune system and prepare for the transplant. - After the initial chemotherapy, participants will receive the donated white blood cells and stem cells as a single infusion. - After the stem cell and white blood cell transplant, participants will have regular doses of cyclosporine and methotrexate to prevent rejection of the donor cells. Participants will have three doses of methotrexate within the week after the transplant, but will continue to take cyclosporine for up to 4 months after the transplant. - Participants will remain in inpatient care for up to 1 month after the transplant, and will be followed with regular visits for up to 3 years with periodic visits thereafter to evaluate the success of the transplant and any side effects.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2010

open study

Background: Phosphodiesterase-4B (PDE4B) is a protein in the brain that may play a role in several mental health disorders. Researchers want to know if drinking alcohol increases the binding of a radioactive tracer to PDE4B in the brain because of increased activity and/or amount of the protein. This knowledge may help create new ways to treat people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Objective: To learn if alcohol increases PDE4B activity in the brain. Eligibility: Healthy people aged 21 to 70 years who drink socially but do not have AUD. They must be enrolled in protocol 14-AA-0181"NIAAA Natural History Protocol". Design: Participants will have up to 4 clinic visits with up to 3 imaging scans of the brain; these will include 1 or 2 positron emission tomography (PET) scans and 1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The first PET scan will be a baseline. Participants will receive a radioactive tracer through a tube inserted into a vein. A second tube will be inserted so that blood can be drawn during the scan. Participants will lie on a bed that slides into a doughnut-shaped machine. This visit will take about 6 hours. For the next PET scan, participants will receive alcohol (ethanol) through a tube in a vein until they have a blood alcohol concentration that is equal to the legal driving limit. This is the same as 4 or 5 drinks for most people. After the scan, participants must remain at the clinic for a few hours until their blood alcohol drops. This visit will take 14 to 16 hours. The MRI scan of the brain will take up to 2 hours in a separate clinic visit.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2025

open study

Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare chronic liver disease. It affects the bile ducts of the liver. It can result in bile duct infections, cirrhosis, cancer, and end stage liver disease. Researchers want to learn more about this disease. Objective: To understand the biological causes of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Eligibility: Adults age 18 and older who have primary sclerosing cholangitis. Design: Participants will be screened with a medical history, physical exam, and blood tests. Participants will give blood, saliva, urine, and stool samples. They will have nasal swabs. They will complete surveys. Participants will get an intravenous (IV) catheter. A plastic tube is inserted into an arm vein. Participants will have a colonoscopy. A tube with a video camera at the end is inserted into the rectum. Participants will have an upper endoscopy. A scope with a light and camera at its tip is used to look inside the upper digestive tract. Participants will have a liver biopsy, entering through the chest wall or a neck vein. Blood is drawn from a blood vessel that carries blood to the liver. A liver tissue sample is taken. Participants will have magnetic resonance imaging or spectroscopy. They will get a contrast agent through an IV. Participants may have an optional bone marrow aspiration. A large needle is inserted into the hip to withdraw marrow. Participants will have a liver ultrasound. Participants will complete a 3-day food diary. They will have a nutrition assessment. Participants may give contact details for people who live with them, to also take part in this study. Participation will last for 12 months.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Mar 2023

open study

Background: - Infections caused by viruses are common causes of illnesses: the common cold, many ear infections, sore throats, chicken pox, and the flu are caused by different viruses. Usually, these illnesses last only few days or, at most, a few weeks. Some virus infections like influenza are cleared from the body, and others such as the chicken pox virus remain in the body in an inactive state. However, some people may become quite ill when they are infected with a particular virus, possibly because part of their immune system does not respond properly to fight the virus. - Researchers have discovered some reasons why a person may not be able to clear an infection caused by a virus. Some persons have changes in the genes that involve the immune system that result in the inability to properly control infection with a particular virus. Identifying changes in genes that involve the immune system should help scientists better understand how the immune system works to protect people from infection and may help develop new therapies. Objectives: - To study possible immune defects that may be linked to a particular severe viral infection. - To determine if identified immune defects are genetic in origin. Eligibility: - Individuals of any age who have or have had a diagnosis of a virus infection that physicians consider to be unusually severe, prolonged, or difficult to treat. - Relatives of the participants with a severe viral infection may also participate in the study. We will use their blood and/or skin specimens to try to determine if identified immune defects are hereditary. Design: - Prior to the study, the participant's doctor will give researchers the details of the infection, along with medical records for review. Eligible participants will be invited to the NIH Clinical Center for a full evaluation as an outpatient or inpatient. - At the Clinical Center, participants will be treated with the best available therapy for the particular viral infection, and researchers will monitor how the infection responds to the treatment. - Researchers will take intermittent blood samples and conduct other tests (such as skin biopsies) to evaluate the immune system. - During and after the illness, researchers will conduct follow-up visits to determine the course of infection and response to therapy.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Oct 2009

open study

This study will allow National Eye Institute (NEI) doctors the opportunity to examine people with eye disease, whether the diagnosis is known or not, to determine if they are eligible for other NEI research studies. No treatment is offered in this study. People of all ages with various eye conditions, including genetic conditions, eye movement disorders, inflammatory eye diseases, retinal diseases and external eye diseases, may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo various tests and procedures to diagnose or evaluate their eye disease. The procedures may include the following: - Personal and family medical history - Physical examination and blood tests, including genetic testing. - Eye examination with dilation to measure visual acuity and eye pressure and to examine the front and back parts of the eye. - Questionnaire about vision and daily activities. - Conjunctival swab or lacrimal bland biopsy, or both: A sample of cells from the eyes is collected by swabbing the surface of the eye or by surgically removing a small sample of the surface of the eye or tear gland. - Electroretinogram to examine retinal function: The subject sits in the dark with his or her eyes patched for 30 minutes. The patches are removed, the surface of the eyes is numbed, and contact lenses that can sense signals from the retina are placed on the eyes. The subject then watches flashing lights. - Fluorescein angiography to examine the blood vessels in the eye: A dye is injected into a vein in the arm. The dye travels through the veins to the blood vessels in the eyes. A camera takes pictures of the dye as it flows through the blood vessels. - Optical coherence tomography to measure retinal thickness: A machine used to examine the eyes produces cross-sectional pictures of the retina. - Microperimetry to test how sensitive different parts of the retina are to changing levels of light. The subject sits in front of a computer and presses a button when he or she sees a light on the screen. - Oculography to record eye movements: Eye movements are measured by contact lenses or goggles that the subject wears while watching a series of spots on a computer screen.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Aug 2008

open study

Background: Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited disorder. People with FA are more likely to get certain cancers, especially squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These cancers usually appear first in the mouth, esophagus, and genital and anal areas. Early detection of SCCs may help improve survival rates for people with FA. Objective: This natural history study will regularly screen people with FA for SCC. Eligibility: People aged 12 years and older with FA or a prior cancer diagnosis. Children aged 8 to 11 years with FA may also be eligible. Design: Participants will receive a comprehensive screening for cancer or early signs of cancer. Participants will have a physical exam. They will provide blood and saliva samples. Cells will be collected by rubbing a swab on the inside of the cheeks. A skin sample may be removed from the back, buttocks, or inside of the upper arm. Participants will have pictures taken of their mouth. Any mouth sores will be mapped. Cells will be collected from the sores with a small brush. Specialists will examine the participant s ears, nose, throat, teeth, and skin. Adult participants may have a gastrointestinal exam or pelvic exam. Participants may have an endoscopy. A long tube with a camera and a light will be inserted through the mouth and down into the stomach. Participants may have a liver ultrasound. A wand will be pressed against their belly to get pictures of the organs inside the body. Participants will have screenings every year for up to 10 years. Each visit will last up to 3 days. They will have remote follow-up visits every 6 - 8 months....

Type: Observational

Start Date: Mar 2023

open study

Background: Allogeneic blood or marrow transplant is when stem cells are taken from one person s blood or bone marrow and given to another person. Researchers think this may help people with immune system problems. Objective: To see if allogeneic blood or bone marrow transplant is safe and effective in treating people with primary immunodeficiencies. Eligibility: Donors: Healthy people ages 4 or older Recipients: People ages 4-75 with a primary immunodeficiency that may be treated with allogeneic blood or marrow transplant Design: Participants will be screened with medical history, physical exam, and blood tests. Participants will have urine tests, EKG, and chest x-ray. Donors will have: Bone marrow harvest: With anesthesia, marrow is taken by a needle in the hipbone. OR Blood collection: They will have several drug injections over 5-7 days. Blood is taken by IV in one arm, circulates through a machine to remove stem cells, and returned by IV in the other arm. Possible vein assessment or pre-anesthesia evaluation Recipients will have: Lung test, heart tests, radiology scans, CT scans, and dental exam Possible tissue biopsies or lumbar puncture Bone marrow and a small piece of bone removed by needle in the hipbone. Chemotherapy 1-2 weeks before transplant day Donor stem cell donation through a catheter put into a vein in the chest or neck Several-week hospital stay. They will take medications and may need blood transfusions and additional procedures. After discharge, recipients will: Remain near the clinic for about 3 months. They will have weekly visits and may require hospital readmission. Have multiple follow-up visits to the clinic in the first 6 months, and less frequently for at least 5 years....

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2015

open study

Background: - Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat some autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This drug can damage the retina by causing a condition called Plaquenil-induced retinal toxicity, which may lead to vision loss. However, most people taking Plaquenil do not develop this problem. Researchers are interested in studying whether differences in a person's genes explain why some people develop Plaquenil-induced retinal toxicity while others do not. Objectives: - To investigate possible correlations between certain genes or genetic mutations and Plaquenil-induced retinal toxicity. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 18 years of age who have previously used Plaquenil. - History of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or Sjogren's syndrome. - Both individuals who have and have not developed Plaquenil-induced retinal toxicity will be eligible for this study. Design: - The study requires five annual outpatient visits to the NIH Clinical Center. - Participants will provide a personal and family medical history, and will have a full eye examination. - Participants will also provide blood samples for genetic analysis, including whole exome and whole genome sequencing. - No treatment will be provided as part of this protocol.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Aug 2010

open study

This study will evaluate subjects with adult- and childhood-onset myositis to learn more about their cause and the immune system changes and medical problems associated with them. Myositis is an inflammatory muscle disease that can damage muscles and other organs, resulting in significant disability. Children or adults with polymyositis or dermatomyositis or a related condition may be evaluated under this study. Healthy children or adults will also be enrolled as "controls," for comparison of test results. All patients will undergo a complete history (including completing some questionnaires) and physical examination, review of medical records, and blood and urine tests. Patients may then choose to participate in an additional 1- to 5-day evaluation, which will include some or all of the following diagnostic, treatment or research procedures: 1. Standardized muscle strength testing, range of motion of joints and walking (gait) analysis by a physiotherapist; completion of a questionnaire regarding ability to perform daily tasks 2. Skin assessment, possibly including photographs of lesions and a skin biopsy (removal of a small skin sample under local anesthetic) 3. Magnetic resonance imaging (scans that use magnetic fields to visualize tissues) of leg muscles 4. Swallowing studies, including a physical examination and questionnaire on swallowing ability, studies of tongue strength, and ultrasound imaging during swallowing, and possibly, a modified barium swallow 5. Voice and speech assessment, possibly including computerized voice analysis and laryngoscopy-analysis of the larynx (voice box) using a small rigid scope with a camera placed in the mouth to view and record vocal cord function 6. Pulmonary function tests (measurement of air moved into and out of the lungs, using a breathing machine) to evaluate lung function and, possibly, chest X-ray 7. Electrocardiogram (measurement of the electrical activity of the heart) and, possibly, echocardiogram (ultrasound imaging of the heart) 8. Endocrine evaluation 9. Eye examination, in patients with vision loss or other eye symptoms 10. Nutrition assessment to evaluate muscle mass and muscle wasting, including tape measurements or bioelectric impedance testing, a painless procedure in which wires are attached to the extremities with a sticky paste. 11. Muscle ultrasound. 12. Electromyography (record of the electrical activity of muscles) 13. Muscle or skin biopsy (removal of a small piece of muscle tissue for microscopic examination) All patients may have only a one-time evaluation or may return for one follow-up evaluations (either the 1-day or 3- to 5-day evaluation) over a 1-year period. Healthy children will undergo a medical history and brief physical examination; blood and urine tests; speech and swallowing studies including questionnaires and physical examination, tongue strength, and ultrasound study; and bioelectric impedance testing. Children 8 to 18 years old may also have exercise testing....

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jun 1995

open study