Diseases Studied
The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network is an NIH-funded research network of 19 active consortia or research groups working to advance treatment for diseases that are rare. Use the search tools on this page to find the diseases we currently study. You can reach out to the indicated consortia or research groups for more information on those diseases and studies underway.
This network focuses on clinical research and does not generally support clinical care outside of research activities. To learn about other rare diseases, please visit the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), which is an NIH program that helps the public find reliable information about rare and genetic diseases. Their staff are specialists. Contact them at 1-888-205-2311 or email GARDinfo@nih.gov.
All Diseases > Primary ciliary dyskinesia
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)
Disease Category: Genetic Mucociliary Disorders
An inherited condition in which mucociliary clearance of the lungs is impaired. In this disorder, cilia (hairlike structures) lining the airway, sinuses, and middle ears have defective movements, leading to accumulation of harmful particles and pathogens trapped within mucus. This results in chronic sinusitis, and frequent respiratory and middle ear infections. These recurrent infections may lead to hearing loss, chronic cough, severe lung damage, and bronchiectasis (irreversible scarring and dilation of the bronchi).
Research groups studying this disease
Genetic Mucociliary Disorders
Genetic Disorders of Mucociliary Clearance Consortium (GDMCC)
Recruiting
5906: Defining the Genetic Etiology of Suppurative Lung Disease in Children and Adults
A collaboration between pulmonologists and immunologists across the consortium, the project will systematically characterize the clinical phenotype and laboratory profile of patients with chronic suppurative respiratory diseases that are typically referred to pediatric and adult pulmonologists. A primary goal of this project is to identify the genetic basis of suppurative respiratory disease, including those with primary ciliary dyskinesia, primary immunodeficiencies, and other genetic disorders that interfere with airway defenses in patients without a confirmed genetic cause for their disease. This one-visit study includes a comprehensive medical history, physical exam, spirometry, nasal nitric oxide measurements, laboratory testing for genetics and immunologic evaluation, and a chest CT.
5907: Longitudinal study assessing the effect of respiratory exacerbations on quality of life and disease progression in primary ciliary dyskinesia
This longitudinal study will examine respiratory tract exacerbations in primary ciliary dyskinesia. Given their negative impact on the lives of people with primary ciliary dyskinesia, respiratory tract exacerbations are obvious targets for interventional trials designed to establish evidence-based guidelines for their prevention and treatment. This longitudinal, multicenter study will define clinical features that characterize exacerbations, and examine innovative mobile health monitoring tools, including home spirometry, validated disease-specific quality of life instruments, and novel bedside digital cough monitoring over a one-year period.
5908: Characterizing the Upper Airway Manifestations in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia and Primary Immunodeficiencies
A collaboration between pulmonologists, immunologists, and otolaryngologists at four sites, this project is designed to comprehensively define and compare the clinical manifestations and morbidity of upper airway involvement in primary ciliary dyskinesia and primary immunodeficiencies. The main objective of this project is to collect critical data to inform the design of future clinical trials that treat upper airway disease in these conditions. This one-visit study will include a comprehensive medical history, targeted ENT physical, nasal endoscopy, mucus sample collection, nasal nitric oxide, smell identification testing, audiology assessment and a sinus CT.
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Foundation
Works to improve the quality of life of those affected by primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and to develop the means to find a cure.
Immune Deficiency Foundation
Improves the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life of people affected by primary immunodeficiency.