Thermography to Monitor Proliferation in Evolving Hemangiomas at Risk for Aggressive Growth: Use of Infrared Assessment (TEMPERATURE) Study
Fellow
Charles Huang
Thomas Jefferson University
Mentor
Albert Yan, MD
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Overview
This study aims to predict the behavior of infantile hemangiomas using a non-invasive tool called infrared thermography (IRT). Hemangiomas are common vascular tumors that can cause complications like skin changes, ulceration, or interference with vital structures. The current standard of care involves clinical monitoring, but a more accurate method to predict their behavior is needed. This study will use IRT to measure surface temperatures to evaluate whether temperature gradients can differentiate between proliferating, plateauing, involuting, or at-risk hemangiomas. The study aims to validate IRT as a tool for monitoring hemangioma behavior and establish a multi-institutional database of clinical information to improve understanding, identify risk factors, and optimize treatments. This project has the potential to advance pediatric dermatology through a non-invasive and reliable method for predicting the behavior of infantile hemangiomas, identifying those at risk for complications, and improving the lives of affected infants through earlier intervention and optimized treatment approaches.
Status
This project was funded through a 2023 PeDRA Research Fellowship Grant.
