Research and Education
The following information outlines ongoing research, clinical trials and educational programs relating to pectus excavatum.
Multicenter Study
“A Multicenter Study of the Clinical Outcomes of the Nuss and Ravitch Procedures for Repair of Pediatric Pectus Excavatum” - Principal Investigator: Robert E. Kelly, MD
This prospective observational study of outcomes after the Nuss and Ravitch methods of correction of pectus excavatum collects information regarding the anatomy, physiology, psychology, and treatment of pectus excavatum. Anatomic defects are assessed by CT scan; physiologic data are collected by pulmonary function tests; psychologic effects are assessed by body image survey; and treatment is evaluated by monitoring of operative complications and postoperative results. Patients are tested both pre- and post-operatively. A major focus of the study is to document outcomes of repair regardless of method used.
Twelve hospitals in the United States and Canada are participating in this study. The first patient was enrolled on August 30, 2001, and 279 subjects have been enrolled as of March 2004. A total of 360 subjects will be enrolled in the study.
Exercise Cardio-Pulmonary Function in Pectus Excavatum
An addendum to the study, “A Multicenter Comparison of Cardio-pulmonary Function Before and After Surgical Repair of Pectus Excavatum,” was initiated in the winter of 2003 at sites capable of performing progressive exercise testing.
Genetics of Pectus Excavatum
Collaboration with Michael Stacey, PhD (Center for Pediatric Research) and Virginia Proud, MD (Medical Genetics) is underway to explore the genetic aspects of pectus excavatum. “A Study of the Inheritance of Pectus Excavatum” collects medical histories from families to construct pedigrees. The pedigrees are used to determine patterns of inheritance in families with multiple family members affected with pectus excavatum. “Identification of DNA Markers Linked to the Inheritance of Pectus Excavatum”will attempt to identify specific DNA markers linked to pectus excavatum. This knowledge could lead to prevention of or improved treatment of pectus excavatum and other similar disorders.
Absorbable Stabilizer
The Institutional Review Board of Eastern Virginia Medical School has recently approved a study on the use of an absorbable stabilizer in select patients.
Results and Outcomes
Patients undergoing surgery are monitored on an ongoing basis through our database in order to provide information on early results as well as on long-term outcomes.
For more information about pectus excavatum research at CHKD, contact Amy Quinn at 866-279-6430.