The Department of Urology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center invites you to participate in a new research study investigating the genetic causes of exstrophy and epispadias. Patients with a history of bladder exstrophy, cloacal exstrophy, or epispadias, as well as their parents, are invited to participate. Bladder exstrophy, cloacal exstrophy, or epispadias patients with an additional birth defect, evelopmental delay, or chromosomal problems are encouraged to participate, as are patients with a family history of bladder exstrophy, cloacal exstrophy, and epispadias. Participation involves submitting either saliva or, preferably a blood sample, and a medical record review. Participation is strictly confidential and no medical information will be released outside of the study. Individuals interested in participating may contact the study director at: Linda A. Baker, MD, Professor of Urology, Director of Pediatric Urology Research November, 2008 |