Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for participation in the national alopecia areata registry, researchers are seeking:
- Adults and children who have been diagnosed with one of four types of alopecia areata (AA): Alopecia Universalis (AU), Alopecia Totalis (AT), Patchy Persistent AA, or Transient Mild AA
- Family members of alopecia areata patients (related by blood), preferably siblings, parents and multiplex families
- Controls are non blood-related individuals who are unaffected and do not live in the same household with alopecia areata patient
Diagnosis must be made by a dermatologist with expertise in alopecia areata. If the diagnosis is unclear, a skin biopsy from the scalp or buttocks may be required.
It is the patient's responsibility to cover the cost of a biopsy. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The study does not require a hospital stay or follow-up visits.
No treatments will be administered. However, members of the registry will be the first to benefit from any advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
MD Anderson is gathering patient information, blood samples and other medical procedures now. To find out if you are eligible for the study, e-mail us at alopeciaregistry@mdanderson.org. You can also call Joyce Osei, MPH, MHA (Coordinator, Clinical Research) at 713-794-1442.