DALLAS - Nov. 21, 2005 - Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are seeking patients to participate in medical studies on morphea, suicidal depression in teens and liposuction. All clinical trials are approved by UT Southwestern's Institutional Review Board, which reviews them for benefits, risks, side effects and informed consent.

Morphea
Dermatology researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are currently enrolling subjects 11 years of age and older with morphea - a disorder characterized by thickening of the skin and subcutaneous tissue due to excessive collagen deposits. The 18-week study involves fluocinonide 0.05-percent cream and either medium dose or high dose UVA-1 (ultraviolet light) treatments. For more information about the study, please call 214-648-5751.
 
Suicidal depression in teens
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are looking for participants in a six-month study designed to determine the best treatment for depressed teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 who have made a suicide attempt in the last 90 days. Participants will receive outpatient treatment in one of the following groups: medication and supportive clinical care and cognitive behavioral therapy, or treatment with both medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Participants are seen intensively, with between 14 and 22 clinic visits scheduled during the six-month treatment period. Teens already being treated with an antidepressant are eligible for treatment in this study. For more information, parents of minors or potential participants can call 214-456-8918.

Liposuction
UT Southwestern Medical Center is looking for people between the ages of 18 and 60 who have multiple areas on their bodies where they want to receive liposuction. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the use of lidocaine - a local anesthetic - during the liposuction procedure. The study will require participants to have blood drawn every hour during surgery and then every four hours for 36 hours after surgery. Compensation will be provided, however participants are responsible for all fees related to the surgical procedure. For more information, please call 214-648-8686.

More clinical trials

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Media Contact: Katherine Morales
214-648-3404
e-mail: katherine.morales@utsouthwestern.edu

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