
Connective Tissue & Autoinflammatory Disorders
Autoimmune connective tissue diseases and other autoinflammatory disorders encompass a spectrum of rare and challenging conditions that frequently present with dermatologic findings, are often associated with systemic comorbidities, and can have a tremendous impact on quality of life. These diseases rarely have FDA-approved therapies.
Goals of the Connective Tissue & Autoinflammatory Disorders Focused Study Group include improving our understanding of the pathogenesis, prognosis, and comorbidities of these conditions, identifying more reliable monitoring tools, and advancing therapeutic options for our patients.

Chair
The Connective Tissue & Autoinflammatory Focused Study Group is co-chaired by Heather Brandling-Bennett, MD at the University of Washington and Maria Teresa Garcia Romero, MD at the National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City.


Links
Studies
- Characterization of non-coding genetic loci and transcription factors that drive development of linear morphea
- Characterization of the presenting cutaneous manifestations of juvenile dermatomyositis
- Characterization of the presenting cutaneous manifestations of juvenile dermatomyositis
- Developing an Outcome Measure for Morphea Disease Activity
- Genetic Variations in Non-coding Regulatory Regions in Linear Morphea
Studies Seeking Collaborators
Coming soon.
Publications
Siegfried, Elaine, et al. “Methotrexate for inflammatory skin disease in pediatric patients: Consensus treatment guidelines” Pediatric Dermatology (2023).
Ng, Ashley, et al. “Presenting characteristics and progression of pediatric-onset morphea: Interim analysis of a prospective registry” Pediatric Dermatology (2023).
Chen, Henry, et al. “Clinical characteristics associated with musculoskeletal extracutaneous manifestations in pediatric and adult morphea: a prospective, cohort study” Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2023).
García-Romero, Maria Teresa, et al. “Development and Validation of the Morphea Activity Measure in Patients With Pediatric Morphea” JAMA Dermatology (2023).
Ezeh, Nnenna, et al. “Cross-Sectional Characteristics of Pediatric-Onset Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: Results of a Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2022).
Ramien, Michele, et al. “Blistering severe cutaneous adverse reactions in children: Proposal for pediatric-focused clinical criteria” British Journal of Dermatology (2021).
Chiu, Yvonne, et al. “Body site distribution of pediatric-onset morphea and association with extracutaneous manifestations” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2021).
Reynolds, Sean, et al. “Systemic Immunosuppressive Therapy for Inflammatory Skin Diseases in Children: Expert-Consensus-Based Guidance for Clinical Decision Making During the COVID-19 Pandemic” Pediatric Dermatology (2020).
Arkin, Lisa, et al. “Practice-Based Differences in Pediatric Discoid Lupus Erythmatosus.” British Journal of Dermatology (2019).
Active Member Locations
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Send us an email to get connected to the CTD group or to learn more.