COSMOS V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterisation of skin microstructure under normal and atrophied states
IRAS ID
340075
Contact name
Haleema AlFailakawi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 1 days
Research summary
Skin dermatoses are a major health concern around the world, with heavy economic, social, and psychological burdens. Due to their chronic and incurable nature, they are serious diseases that cause physical pain and reduced quality of life. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease with a prevalence of almost 20% in children and 10% in adults. Current therapies are designed to control rather than cure the condition. These therapies are lifelong and at times, must be used intensively to achieve control. Despite the emergence of various therapies, topical corticosteroids (TCS) remain the gold standard first-line treatment. However, if used inappropriately, they can be detrimental. With the beneficial action of TCS comes the potential for undesirable effects, like skin thinning, especially when used long-term/excessively.
COSMOS seeks to define the normal structural parameters for healthy skin in a diverse cohort, determine the effect of age, sex, and ethnicity and subsequently study how these values differ in clinically abnormal skin resulting from excessive or inappropriate TCS use. This will be achieved using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to non-invasively image skin. By undertaking this study, we will gain real-world insight into the effects of long-term TCS use on the skin.
TCS are synthetic forms of cortisol, a stress hormone linked to mood. Natural variations in cortisol levels may affect skin function. We already know that there is an association between stress and triggering of AD, so intend to further characterise this in the COSMOS study by quantifying cortisol levels in saliva.
A cohort of 180 participants (with AD and healthy skin) will be recruited to document and compare skin condition in various states. Images will be collected from a range of sites across the body to better understand the impact long term steroid use/misuse has on skin in a diverse population.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0103
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion