The Barth Syndrome Foundation International Scientific, Medical and Family conferences are truly one of the greatest tools to deliver a better understanding of Barth syndrome to families, physicians, scientists and researchers. Each topic provides affected individuals and their families with crucial information about this complex disorder.
In an effort to give our affected families the tools to become the most effective advocates for their Barth individual, the Family Sessions will include expert presentations and panel discussions which focus on providing the most up-to-date information on current research advances, the clinical aspects of Barth syndrome (BTHS), day-to-day aspects of BTHS, and current resources and practical information about BTHS.
Formal Lectures
July 19, 2018 - Clearwater Beach, FL
Cardiac Aspects of Barth Syndrome
Clinical Research and Their Impact on Treatment
Potential Therapies for Barth Syndrome
July 20, 2018 - Clearwater Beach, FL
Neutropenia and Barth Syndrome
July 21, 2018 - Clearwater Beach, FL
Individual Consultations & Clinics
July 16, 2018 - Clearwater Beach, FL
Barth Syndrome Registry and Repository
Full details about the registry and assistance with enrollment or updating of entries.
General Barth Syndrome Questions
Information regarding biochemical, diagnostic, natural history, general medical or treatment strategy questions.
Genetics
Information about all aspects of genetics and how family members may be affected; collection of family pedigrees.
Investigation into Clinical, Metabolic and Molecular Factors in Barth Syndrome
Six-minute walk test and grip strength
Longitudinal Evaluation of Cardiomyopathy and Outcome in Barth Syndrome
Echocardiogram, EKG and questionnaire — for affected individuals who have participated in previous cardiology study led by Dr. Carolyn Taylor.
Pill Swallowing Workshop
Techniques and equipment for pill swallowing — creating a personalized program in a stress-free environment.
Vitals
Height, weight and blood pressure
Portraits
Family and individual portraits by Amanda Clark
Registration
Pick up badges, t-shirts/drop items for goody bags
Small Group Meetings
First Time Family Session
General orientation and walk through meeting for new families and mentors
Barth 101
Small group meeting for parents, caregivers and adult individuals with Barth syndrome. Informal session to help prepare attendees for more complex information presented later in the week. Topics: What causes Barth syndrome; how to understand clinic letters, echo and lab results; a practical guide to symptoms and how to manage them; basic cardiology, hematology, and genetic information; muscle weakness; feeding issues; infant milestones.
Welcome Event
Overview of conference; family introductions
Heart Transplant Meeting
Informal get-together of families with heart transplanted individuals.
Small Group Meetings, Consultations & Clinics
July 17, 2018 - Clearwater Beach, FL
Life as a Carrier or Potential carrier
This small group is open to all mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and sisters 15 years old and over who are invested in the life and care of an individual with Barth syndrome.
Pre-test Carrier Discussion
This is for potential carriers 15 years old and over. This small group will focus on how to make the decision about genetic carrier testing, what is involved with testing and what to think about before testing.
Post-test Carrier Session
This small group will focus on exploring the impact of learning that you are a carrier for Barth syndrome. How this might impact relationships, future plans, reproductive options, etc.
Carrier Session 4
Feedback from carrier study; creation of resource network; where do we go from here; what can we do to support each other.
Transplants
How to prepare for the possibility of needing a heart transplant; transplanted patient perspectives; questions and answers.
Small Group Meetings, Consultations & Clinics
July 18, 2018 - Clearwater Beach, FL
Where is My Cure/New Therapies
A simplified summary of potential therapies for Barth syndrome.
Practical Workshops and Question and Answer Sessions to Promote Independence, Coping with Daily Life
Separate sessions for parents of affected individuals (ages 0-4; 4-8; 8-12; 18+).
July 18, 2018 - Clearwater Beach, FL
Externally-led Patient Focused Drug Development Meeting on Barth Syndrome
