MISDOSS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a Multispectral Imaging System to measure Dermal Oxygenation in Systemic Sclerosis (MISDOSS)
IRAS ID
326512
Contact name
Andrea Murray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, also known as scleroderma) is a rare connective tissue disease characterised by damage to the capillaries (the smallest blood vessels) and thickening/scarring (fibrosis) of the skin and internal organs. It is associated with significant loss of quality of life and death. The damage to the capillaries that is associated with SSc leads to a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) in the skin which is present early in the disease progression and has potentially been linked to disease worsening. It is likely that the function of the blood vessels could play a role in assessing disease progression and response to treatment. In this research we aim to develop a system for measuring the oxygenation levels in the skin using a non-invasive imaging technique called multispectral imaging (MSI). MSI has been previously used in clinical studies to measure oxygenation but there is work to be done to establish the accuracy and precision of these measurements, as well as their robustness in different types of skin (e.g. varying skin colour and thickness). In this research we will measure oxygenation in the skin of the hands during a digital occlusion, which involves a pressure cuff (like that used for measuring blood pressure but smaller) being fitted around the finger and pressure being applied to reduce the oxygenation in the occluded finger. This process may be slightly uncomfortable but should not cause any pain. We will also measure the colour and thickness of the skin using a colorimeter and a high-frequency ultrasound system respectively. Both of these measurement devices are non-invasive, make gentle contact with the skin, and do not cause any pain. We will be recruiting patients with SSc (and related spectrum disorders) and healthy controls for this study, which will be conducted at Salford Royal Hospital in Salford, Greater Manchester.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NW/0352
Date of REC Opinion
1 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion