We propose a longitudinal study of the natural history of types III and IV osteogenesis imperfecta for children age birth to 18 years. A consistent objective throughout this tudy is to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the natural history and progression of the multiple secondary features of osteogenesis imperfecta. In addition to radiographic, bone density, physical rehabilitation and dental manifestations, we will assess the neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and audiological systems.

The major objectives of this protocol are the study of neurological features of OI, the rehabilitation and physical therapy studies, pulmonary function studies, and genetic and molecular biology aspects of OI. One major objective of these studies of secondary features is to determine the incidence of basilar invagination and develop a monitoring and management plan for this neurological feature. A second major objective in this study is to expand the intensive rehabilitation and physical therapy studies of children with types III and IV OI. This objective continues the work that has been done in the Rehabilitation Department of the Clinical Center for the past 20 years on these patients. However, the focus of this objective is changing to include studies of scoliosis and its effect on function, studies of chest proportions and rib deformities, studies of obesity in children with OI, and studies of nonkinetic variables related to motor performance, such as temperament, competence, coping, and resilience in children with OI. The third major objective is the longitudinal study of pulmonary function in children with types III and IV OI. It is well known that cardiopulmonary complications are a major cause of disability and death in adults with OI; the development of these complications, and whether susceptible individuals can be identified in childhood, is unknown. The final major objective in this study is the continued study of the genetic and molecular biology aspect of OI. Patients will have skin biopsies for collagen studies at the biochemical and molecular level. Parents will have blood drawn for determination of mosaic status for the mutation that causes their child's OI. These studies will provide further information on genotype/phenotype correlation and other variables in OI genetics. As appropriate, bone chips from emergency or elective surgical procedures on the participants will be used to study osteoblast function in OI.

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