Researcher helping to pioneer medical therapy for Fragile X Syndrome presents latest findings

Pediatric neurologist Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis addresses experts and families at 11th International Fragile X Conference

(CHICAGO) – Neurological experts from across the U.S. and other countries including a nationally renowned researcher from Rush University Medical Center will discuss the latest findings in basic and clinical research for Fragile X at the 11th International Fragile X Conference, to be held July 23-27 in St. Louis. Families with children who are diagnosed with Fragile X also will be attending the conference.

Fragile X, an X-chromosome-linked condition, is the most common inherited cause of mental retardation and the most common known cause of autism or autistic-like behaviors.

Rush's Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, will be leading a number of discussions at the conference including a plenary session on promising new treatments and clinical sessions on stem cell research, seizures and psychopharmacology. In addition, she will be presenting research on the use of lithium to target the underlying defect in Fragile X Syndrome.

Dr. Berry-Kravis runs the only Fragile X clinic in Chicago and one of the few in the Midwest. Her research program also includes studies of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a degenerative neurological condition which occurs in fragile X mutation carriers, and she will be presenting research on development of new methods for evaluating risk for FXTAS using a state-of-the-art imaging technique called diffusion tensor imaging.

Schedule of scientific and family friendly sessions led by Dr. Berry-Kravis include:

Plenary sessions:

• New Treatments on the Near Horizon, Thursday, July 24, 9:45 a.m.

• Seizure Disorders, Saturday, July 26, 2:45 p.m

• Five Current Topics of Interest in Psychopharmacology of FXS, Saturday, July 26, 11 a.m.

Research abstract presentations:

• FXTAS (Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome)
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Male FMR1 Premutation Carriers With and Without FXTAS, Wednesday, July 23, 1:30 p.m.

• Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)
  • Vocabulary Comprehension in FXS, Wednesday, July 23, 4 p.m.
  • ERK Activation Kinetics as a Biomarker for Metabolic Status in FXS, Saturday, July 26, 9:45 a.m.

• Medications
  • Open Label Treatment Trial of Lithium to Target the Underlying Defect in FXS

  • Fragile X Conference
  • Atypical Autonomic Regulation in FXS: Contrasts with Normal and Effects of Lithium, Saturday, July 26 1:30 p.m.

Scientific-clinical panel sessions:

• A Conversation with the Experts: Drug Trials and Adults with -Developmental Disabilities—Ethical Issues and Informed Consent, Thursday, July 24, 11 a.m.

• Stem Cell Research and Its Implications for Fragile X Research and Treatment, Thursday, July 24, 1:30 p.m.

Family-friendly panel sessions:

• Psychopharmacology Q & A, Sunday, July 29, 9 a.m.

• Questions, Answers and Difficult Cases: Treatment Issues, Sunday, July 27, 10:30 a.m.

About the Fragile X Syndrome Clinic at Rush

The Fragile X Syndrome clinic at Rush is dedicated to the care of children with Fragile X syndrome, an X-chromosome-linked condition that is the most common inherited cause of mental retardation. The clinic is the only one of its kind in Chicago and one of few in the Midwest.

The fragile X clinic at Rush was started in 1991 to serve the unique needs of the fragile X population. The clinic maintains affiliations with specialists in pediatrics, neurology, genetics, optometry, child psychology, special education/education psychology, speech and language, occupational therapy and dentistry who have experience working with individuals with fragile X syndrome.

About Rush University Medical Center

Rush University Medical Center is an academic medical center that encompasses the more than 600 staffed-bed hospital (including Rush Children's Hospital), the Johnston R. Bowman Health Center and Rush University. Rush University, with more than 1,270 students, is home to one of the first medical schools in the Midwest, and one of the nation's top-ranked nursing colleges. Rush University also offers graduate programs in allied health and the basic sciences. Rush is noted for bringing together clinical care and research to address major health problems, including arthritis and orthopedic disorders, cancer, heart disease, mental illness, neurological disorders and diseases associated with aging.