The goal of this study is to develop a new way to assess skin thickness in patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis). The study will test how well a new imaging method called optical coherence elastography (OCE) compares to the current clinical method used to estimate skin thickness, the modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
12
To image skin thickness, Optical Coherence Elastography (OCE)-scanning of 6 body surface areas will be preformed using the Phase-Stabilized Swept Source Optical Coherence Elastography (PhS-SSOCE) system.
Skin thickness will be visually assessed clinically in 6 body surface areas using the the modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS). The mRSS uses a 0-3 scale, where 0 = normal, 1= mild thickness, 2 = moderate thickness, and 3 = severe thickness
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, United States
Skin optical elastography (OCE) scan score
Time frame: Baseline
Skin thickness as assessed by Modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS)
Time frame: Baseline
Fibrosis score as assessed by forearm skin punch biopsy
A score based on histological findings of skin punch biopsy will be calculated. There some minor risk involved with skin biopsy procedure.
Time frame: Baseline
Disability as assessed by the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline
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