Measuring how pupils respond to acute pain
Reliability of Pupil Response to Acute Pain
This study looks at how changes in pupil size can show how adults with osteoarthritis respond to pain and whether these reactions stay consistent over time.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT02628314 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the reliability of pupil responses to acute pain stimuli in adults with osteoarthritis. Researchers will measure changes in pupil size as an indicator of brain activity related to pain perception. The study will evaluate the intra-individual reliability of these responses over an 8-week period, while also exploring genetic factors that may influence pain response. Participants will be monitored for their reactions to noxious stimuli to better understand pain modulation mechanisms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 experiencing moderate pain from hip or knee arthritis.
Not a fit: Patients with severe pain requiring high doses of opioids or those with psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies and recovery protocols for patients with osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data suggest feasibility, but this approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult (18-70) * Pain from hip or knee arthritis of moderate intensity * American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1-3 Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to complete study questionnaires * Pregnancy * Litigation or workers compensation related to hip or knee pain * Taking \> 50 mg morphine equivalents/day * History of Raynaud's disease of the feet * Psychotic disorder or a recent psychiatric hospitalization * History of eye surgery or topical eye medications that would would directly affect pupil diameter
Where this trial is running
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center — Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James C Eisenach, MD — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Regina Curry, RN
- Email: recurry@wakehealth.edu
- Phone: 336-716-4294
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.