Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2006

Mentor: Dr. Amit Pandya
Department: Dermatology
Room number: DF 2-524A
Mail Code: 9190
Phone number: 214-648-5770
E-mail: Amit.Pandya@UTSouthwestern.edu
Project title: Chinese-Americans and Skin Disease

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): Pending
Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects): Patient-based

Brief Description of Project:
Melasma is a common hyperpigmentary disorder seen in middle-aged Chinese-American women. It usually presents as darker patches of skin on the face. Very few prevalence studies have been conducted on this population group, but the limited data from Southeast Asia suggest the prevalence of melasma may range anywhere from 0.25% to 40% in females (Sivayathorn, 1995). Possible causative factors that have been identified include sunlight, genetic predisposition, oral contraceptives, and pregnancy. We would like to do an epidemiological study and survey 500 pre-menopausal Chinese-American women of menstruating age (18-55 years old). We will obtain our sample from clinics in the Greater Dallas area. We will ask questions that will help determine an overall prevalence rate for melasma, and we will confirm our diagnosis by direct observation and physical exam. All participants will be asked a series of questions in order to eliminate other possible lesions such as lentigines (age spots) and scarring from acne. We will also aim to ascertain the duration and extent of the melasma, along with the potential contributing factors. The data collected from this study will be useful in determining dermatological recommendations for this subpopulation and the burden of disease when allocating resources and costs for health services.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

Arturo Dominguez, Allison Ellzey: Quality of life in Latina patients with melasma
Kelly Werlinger: Prevalence of melasma among Latina women

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