Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2007

Mentor: Heidi T Jacobe, MD
Department: Dermatology
Room number: F04.212A
Mail Code: 9069
Phone number: 214-648-2985
E-mail: Heidi.Jacobe@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Validation of 15-mHz Ultrasound as an outcome measure for morphea/localized scleroderma.

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 032007-021

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):

Project Type (patient-based research)

Brief Description of Project:
Morphea is characterized by thickening and hardening of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and commonly thought to be isolated to the skin. Currently, outcome measures for morphea and other fibrosing skin disorders are lacking in dermatology and improved outcomes may helpful for clinicians and investigators in assessing clinical outcomes. A novel, objective measure for morphea and scleroderma may exist in the use of ultrasound technology for skin examinations in these patients, but this technology has not been validated. Patients will be enrolled from an ongoing study describing the immunologic and genetic markers associated with morphea. As part of this study, patients will be seen at Parkland Memorial Hospital for a 15-mHz skin ultrasound examination (excluding normal controls) to measure dermal thickness of their morphea plaques. This will be performed in the Radiology department by two radiology attendings for inter-rater reliability testing. We hope to validate the use of 15-mHz ultrasound as a new outcome measure available for assessing morphea progression and response to treatment.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellow Mentor (Justin Leitenberger):

1. Leitenberger, Justin J.; Jacobe, Heidi T.; and Cruz, Ponciano D. Jr. Photoimmunology - Illuminating the immune system through photobiology. Springer Seminars in Immunopathology (2007). Volume 29 (1), April 2007.

2. Leitenberger, Justin J.; Bergstresser, Paul R.; and Jacobe, Heidi T. Understanding Clinical Trial Outcomes: Design, analysis, and interpretation. (Accepted to Dermatologic Therapy, January, 2007).

3. Hansen, Christopher; Leitenberger, Justin J.; Jacobe, Heidi T., and Cruz, Ponciano D. Jr. Photoimmunology. In: Clinical Immunodermatology. Gaspari A, Tyring, SK. Springer-Verlag, Ltd., London. In press.
4. Leitenberger, JJ.; Haley, RW; Bergstresser PR, and Jacobe HT. Autoimmune predisposition in morphea: a retrospective review of adult and pediatric cases. (In progress)

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