The following study at Children's Hospital Los Angeles is now closed.  The announcement as it appeared is posted below for your information only.

Doctor Wendy Mitchell and the Children's Hospital Los Angeles are pleased to announce a research program to evaluate children who have had opsoclonus/ataxia (sometimes called OMS) due to neuroblastomas.  The study is approved by the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Committee on Clinical Investigations.  All children who have had opsoclonus, myoclonus, and/or ataxia as the initial symptoms of a neuroblastoma are eligible, regardless of current age.  The study will consist of a review of medical information and neurological examination by the study neurologist, comprehensive cognitive and behavioral testing by a neuropsychologist, evaluation of motor function by an occupational therapist, and evaluation of speech and language by a special speech therapist.  Parents will be interviewed about the child's current and past symptoms, particularly about behavior and mood.  All studies will be performed without charge to the patient or their insurance.  n general, all evaluations will be done on a single day, but can be divided if the child tires easily.  Time to complete the exams will be up to a full day for older children, less time for younger children.  Parents will be given a report of all examinations and will have the opportunity to discuss results and recommendations with the neurologist, psychologist, OT and speech therapist.  When parents request, copies of the evaluations can be sent to schools, agencies, therapists, CCS (California Childrens Services), etc.

Children may be enrolled whether or not their routine neurological care is at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.  However, for children whose usual care is elsewhere, the child's records will need to be reviewed prior to enrollment to be sure they are appropriate for the study.  Parents will need to speak directly to Doctor Mitchell to make arrangements to provide the records.   For families coming from long distances, some financial assistance can be provided, if overnight stay in a hotel is necessary.

In a second part of the study, children who are currently receiving IVIg for OMS will be briefly evaluated before and after their next two doses of IVIg.  When possible, evaluations will be done 24-48 hours before and 24-96 hours after a dose.  This portion of the study is restricted to children who have completed the first comprehensive evaluation, who are receiving IVIg in Southern California, and who can come for both evaluations.

For further information please contact:

Doctor Wendy Mitchell or Yolanda Davalos-Gonzalez
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
(323) 669-2498
email: wmitchell@chlais.usc.edu

WENDY G. MITCHELL M.D.
CHILDRENS HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES
NEUROLOGY DIVISION BOX 82
4650 SUNSET BLVD
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90027
Phone:  323 669-2498
FAX:        323 667-2019
wmitchell@chlais.usc.edu