Is multicenter collaborative research in clinical genetics dead and, if so, what killed it?
This study describes the course of a clinical trial designed to investigate the possible role of thrombophilic factors in limb reduction defects, which was abandoned after 1 year because lack of progress of the project through ethics review and the failure to make significant inroads in patient recruitment. Factors that are thought to have contributed to the failure are discussed, in the hope that others can avoid some of the pitfalls.
Hunter
Alasdair G W
AG
529 Clarence St East, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. heddalasdair@aol.com
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005826:Genetics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D017880:Limb Deformities, Congenital / Q000209:etiology; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D019851:Thrombophilia / Q000150:complications