What is the Utah Psoriasis Initiative?
The Utah Psoriasis Initiative, or UPI, is a research project conducted by a study team composed of researchers from the University of Utah Department of Dermatology.
The goal of this study is to create a registry of patients with psoriasis. This registry contains medical and genetic information from willing participants. As of May 2008, over 950 participants with psoriasis have been enrolled. The information is being collected to identify genes that cause different levels of risk for psoriasis and other diseases. If we can identify which genes are responsible for the development of psoriasis, we may be able to do studies in the future that help us identify effective psoriasis treatments. We could also study why some drugs work well in certain individuals, but others do not. Another goal of the Utah Psoriasis Initiative is to investigate the prevalence of other medical problems, such as autoimmune disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease in our patient population.
Who is eligible to participate in the Utah Psoriasis Initiative?
Anyone over the age of 18 and who has psoriasis can volunteer participate in the Utah Psoriasis Initiative. Occasionally we will invite participants who do not have psoriasis to volunteer as well.
What will I be asked to do?
If you choose to participate in this study you will be asked to read and sign a consent form. This form contains additional information about study benefits and any risks you may incur by participating. An appointment will be arranged for you to come to a dermatology clinic where you will meet with a study investigator. After you have read and signed the consent form, you will be asked to do the following:
- Fill out a questionnaire on your medical and family history
- Allow a brief skin examination
- Provide a small blood sample for DNA analysis
