Identifying Reliable Measures of Disease Activity in Craniofacial Morphea
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
Overview:
Craniofacial morphea (CM) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and tissues of the face and head, often in children. It can cause scarring, disfigurement, and difficulty with facial movement. CM is hard to detect early because the signs are small and can vary. Delays in treatment can lead to permanent damage. Currently there are no approved medicines to treat CM or reliable tools to monitor how active the disease is. This study has two main goals: first, to test 3D stereophotogrammetry, a painless imaging method that creates 3D facial images to detect small changes linked to disease activity; and second, to identify biomarkers in blood and skin samples that indicate how active the disease is. By combining advanced imaging and biomarker research, we aim to improve CM detection, allow for earlier treatment, and support the development of new therapies to prevent long-term complications.
Status:
This was funded through a 2025 PeDRA Research Fellowship Grant.