Understanding the causes of ear birth defects in different ethnic groups
Leveraging Ethnic Anotia-microtia Disparities for Discovery (LEADD) Study
This study is looking into why some babies are born with missing or underdeveloped ears, especially focusing on Hispanic and Latinx families, to better understand the social and genetic factors involved and improve care for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11042213 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the causes of anotia and microtia, which are birth defects resulting in absent or underdeveloped external ears, affecting over 80,000 Americans. The study focuses on identifying both social and genetic factors that contribute to these conditions, particularly among Hispanic and Latinx populations who experience higher prevalence rates. By analyzing data from millions of live births and utilizing advanced genetic analysis techniques, the research aims to uncover disparities in diagnosis and prevalence between different ethnic groups. This comprehensive approach seeks to improve understanding and ultimately enhance care for affected individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children under 11 years old diagnosed with anotia or microtia, especially those from Hispanic or Latinx backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have anotia or microtia, or those outside the age range of 0-11 years, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for children with ear birth defects, particularly in underserved populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in identifying genetic factors related to birth defects, making this approach promising for uncovering new insights.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schraw, Jeremy — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Schraw, Jeremy
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.