PeDRA

Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance

Skin of Color

Identifying and improving gaps in the care of pediatric vitiligo

By


Principal Investigator:

Anna Cristina Garza-Mayers, MD, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital

Overview:

Vitiligo is an acquired disorder of pigment loss in the skin present in approximately 1% of the population. It can be psychologically devastating, particularly in children and patients with darker skin. There is data to suggest vitiligo is associated with hearing and vision loss, but few studies have included children. Studies also suggest that a main treatment of vitiligo, narrowband UVB phototherapy, is not as commonly used in children, though it is safe and effective in adults. Newer therapeutic options may similarly not be as accessible to pediatric patients. The goals of this project are two-fold and will evaluate screening for systemic disease as well as access to therapeutics in children, to identify and improve gaps in the longitudinal care of pediatric vitiligo.

Status:

This project was funded by a 2022 Weston Career Development Award.

Daxpe: Native Skin Health Survey

By

Fellow

Micah Pascual
University of Colorado School of Medicine

Mentor

Lucinda Kohn, MD, MHS
University of Colorado School of Medicine; Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health

Overview

Access to pediatric dermatologists is limited. There are more potential patients than there are open clinical slots. This disproportion is especially seen among patients living in rural areas, such as Native Americans. Before we can work to expand access to dermatology services, we need to identify where the need lies. What types of skin diseases do Native teens and young adults experience? How do these skin diseases affect their lives? What access do Native people have to dermatology providers? This study will collect information from Native teens and young adults about their skin health, access to skin healthcare, and how their skin affects their lives. The goal of this study is to understand dermatology needs and barriers to receiving dermatology services, with the hope of improving health equity for Native people.

Status

This project was funded through a 2022 PeDRA Research Fellowship Grant.

Pediatric and Adolescent Vitiligo Guidelines

By


Project Lead:

Nanette Silverberg, MD
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Overview:

People with vitiligo lose their color progressively over time, in locations easily seen like faces and hands. Half of the vitiligo cases start by age 20, one-quarter by age 10 years, making this one of the most common pediatric skin conditions. Children with vitiligo get teased, bullied, and become self-conscious. There are no specific guidelines for the care of pediatric vitiligo. We will gather as experts in pediatric vitiligo to critically review published evidence and make informed recommendations to guide the care of children with vitiligo.

Status:

This project was funded through a 2021 PeDRA Consensus Grant.

Assessment of hearing and vision in pediatric vitiligo patients

By


Principal Investigator:

Anna Garza-Mayers, MD, PhD
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

Overview:

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder in which the body’s own immune cells attack melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin, resulting in white spots. Melanocytes also exist in other organs of the body, including the ears and eyes, and some research suggests melanocyte destruction may also affect hearing and vision. Using routine screening tests, our study will compare hearing and vision in pediatric patients with and without vitiligo to determine whether children with vitiligo are at increased risk for hearing loss and decreased vision. This could lead to larger studies and could affect if and how often children with vitiligo are referred for screening tests, potentially impacting their development and quality of life.

Status:

This project was funded by a 2021 PeDRA Research Grant.