Research Overview
We are interested in understanding obesity and adiposity in children and adolescents with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), as these youth have an increased prevalence of obesity beyond normative pediatric populations. We are also interested in various stages of development in CAH youth, from infancy through puberty. We hope to inform prevention efforts and treatment of complications through a better understanding of pathophysiology of CAH and obesity.
We seek to apply novel imaging technology to answer important questions in childhood metabolism and obesity.
NEAT Study
The Neuroimaging, Emotions and Appetite Testing (NEAT) Study is about obesity, appetite, emotions, and how the brain develops in children. We have found that parents are interested in learning more about these areas, and so are we.
The study team is looking for volunteer youth from 8-18 years old to participate who are either healthy or have Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). We are currently at the halfway point for total participants in our study, so there is still room to join. The study visit consists of two sessions that include a physical exam, X-ray of left hand, computer-based tests, blood sample, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session to safely obtain a picture of the child’s body (no radiation involved), and parental questionnaires.
Parent and child will receive up to $185 for completing all portions of the study. Participants are asked to complete the study over 2 visits. You will also receive a picture of the child’s actual brain!
If you are interested in having your child participate in this exciting CAH study in Los Angeles, please contact us at: CAH@chla.usc.edu or hross@chla.usc.edu
Food Choices Study
The Food Choices Study focuses on conducting research through computer tasks and questionnaires to better understand how children think about food. We evaluate how children decide what to eat using computer-based technology. This study currently consists of youths ages 8 to 14 years old who are healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
In the visit the child goes through a series of computer tasks, a physical exam, and fills out questionnaires. The visit overall takes 1.5 hours and the family is compensated with a $25 gift card and parking validation.
If you are interested in having your child participate in this unique study in Los Angeles, please contact us at: CAH@chla.usc.edu or hross@chla.usc.edu
Testicular Adrenal Rest Tissue (TART)
We seek to better understand Testicular Adrenal Rest Tissue (TART) in males with CAH at our center. Boys can develop TART as early as school-age, typically linked to poor control of hormones.
Epinephrine (Adrenaline) and CAH
Children with Classical CAH have an additional epinephrine deficiency, an important stress hormone made in the adrenal gland. We have found that epinephrine is low in babies born with Classical CAH, and are continuing to study this important hormone in children followed at our CAH Center.
Non-classical CAH (NCAH)
We are interested in learning more about NCAH, and have several ongoing studies at our Center! Stay tuned, more to come.
Funding
We thank funding we have received in the past and currently, to perform our clinical research. By continuing to ask questions, we can hope to better understand CAH and learn how to best treat those affected by this condition.
- NIH K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award
- The James H. Zumberge Research and Innovation Fund – Individual Research Award
- KL2 Award – SC-CTSI (USC) and CHLA Department of Pediatrics
- The Saban Research Institute Innovative Pilot Award
- Abell Foundation
- CARES Foundation
- CHLA Diabetes and Obesity Program
- CHLA CTSI
CAH Kids 