Children's Hospital is part of the UPMC family.
Our Sites
Be safe anytime, anywhere.
To find a pediatrician or pediatric specialist, please call 412-692-7337 or search our directory.
A resource for our network of referring physicians.
For more information about research, please call our main office at 412-692-6438.
Ranked #6 Nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
The purpose of this multi-center study is to determine whether an investigational drug, sodium dichloroacetate (DCA), affects the level of health and home function for patients with pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD). Investigators predict that DCA represents a potential targeted therapy for PDCD because of its ability to increase both the catalytic activity and stability of the enzyme complex.
Subject to certain exclusion criteria, the study accepts pediatric candidates ages 6 months through 17 years, who have PDCD and a known pathogenic mutation of a gene specifically associated with PDCD. Males and Females: Ages 6 months through 17 years
Following initial screening and baseline visits, which will include a physical exam, various physical tests, and instructions for parents/guardians, enrolled participants will take the study drug for 4 months and a placebo for 4 months. Whichever is taken first is determined by randomization. Visits will be required at the end of each testing period, and a member of the study team will contact participants by telephone every two weeks throughout. Participants who complete both treatment periods with no adverse events attributable to DCA will be offered continued access to investigational medication through an open-label access program until the study concludes in June 2020. Visits: 4 Duration: About 10 months
Food and Drug Administration, Office of Orphan Products and Development Medosome Biotec
Study Description at National Institutes of Health Genetic and Genomic Medicine Research
Gerard Vockley, MD, PhD
For more information about the study or enrollment, please contact: Danielle Black, BS 412-692-6893
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
With myCHP, you can request appointments, review test results, and more.
For questions about a hospital bill call:
To pay your bill online, please visit UPMC's online bill payment system.
Interested in giving to Children's Hospital? Support the hospital by making a donation online, joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program, or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back.