Investigating pain management in patients with major burn injuries

Major Burn Injury and its Effects on Acute and Superimposed Surgical Pain

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10684657

This study is looking at the severe pain that people with major burn injuries feel, especially during surgeries like skin grafts, and it aims to find new ways to relieve that pain without using opioids, by exploring how the gut and immune system might help.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10684657 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the intense pain experienced by patients with major burn injuries, particularly how this pain is exacerbated during surgical procedures like skin grafts. The study aims to explore the underlying biological mechanisms of this pain and to identify new non-opioid treatments that could provide better pain relief. By examining the role of the gut microbiome and immune responses, the researchers hope to develop therapies that can effectively reduce pain and improve recovery outcomes for burn patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have sustained major burn injuries and are experiencing significant pain.

Not a fit: Patients with minor burns or those who do not experience significant pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective pain management strategies for patients suffering from major burn injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using non-opioid therapies and understanding the gut-brain connection in pain management, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.