Children's Memorial Hospital is conducting research to study the formation of bone, a process called remodeling. Because remodeling is different in children than in adults, we need to learn more about how youngsters' bones grow, take shape, and restructure.

Results from this study will allow our investigators to create a normal reference range for future use in all children, especially those with bone diseases.

Healthy children younger than 17-years-old will be screened for this study.

Your child may not participate if he or she

• has a current infection or has had an infection within one month.
• has kidney disease.
• takes medication known to interfere with bone metabolism.

This study will include the insertion of a needle into your child's hand or arm vein to obtain blood for laboratory testing. Fewer than two teaspoons of blood (7 cc) will be drawn. Also, you and your child will be asked several questions about health history, age, gender, ethnicity, and pubertal status.

There will be a small stipend for your child's participation in the study.

For more information, please contact Heather Price, MS, in the Division of Kidney Diseases, 773.880.3261.