Understanding pain processing in adolescents with chronic pain conditions
Disrupted Spatial and Temporal Nociceptive Filtering in Adolescents With and Risk for Overlapping Pain Conditions
This study looks at how teenagers with ongoing pain conditions feel and process pain differently than those with specific pain or healthy teens to better understand what might cause their pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 420 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT05752396 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate how adolescents with chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) process pain differently compared to those with localized pain and healthy controls. It will assess spatial and temporal nociceptive filtering through quantitative sensory testing, blood draws, sleep assessments, and questionnaires. The study seeks to determine if disruptions in pain processing contribute to the development of COPCs and how these disruptions differ among various groups. By exploring these factors, the research hopes to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of chronic pain in youth.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adolescents diagnosed with chronic pain conditions such as migraines, musculoskeletal pain, or functional abdominal pain disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with localized pain conditions or those without any history of chronic pain may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of chronic pain conditions in adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, previous pilot studies have indicated potential disruptions in pain processing among youth with COPCs, suggesting a foundation for further exploration.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. General Criteria * Access to the internet either by laptop, tablet, or phone (for REDCap Surveys) * English-speaking * Parent or guardian willing to comply with protocol, complete study assessments, and provide written informed consent 2. Control Specific Criteria * No history/active chronic pain 3. Patient Specific Criteria * Patients will need a diagnosis of a chronic pain derived congruent with ICD-11 criteria related to headache (migraine, daily headache), abdominal (FAPD), localized MSK (single limb/joint, low back or chest pain), or diffuse MSK (widespread MSK pain) * If on medications, they need to be on stable doses of prescribed pain and/or psychiatric medications for 4 weeks before the baseline study visit. Exclusion Criteria: 1. General Criteria * Skin conditions (e.g., eczema) or past skin damage on the arms and legs in or near sites of sensory testing * Any comorbid rheumatic disease (e.g., arthritis, lupus), neurological (e.g., epilepsy, traumatic brain injury) or medical condition (e.g., cancer, diabetes) 2. Control Specific Criteria * Taking medications that can alter pain sensitivity (e.g., NSAIDs, opioids, stimulants, anticonvulsants; psychiatric) 3. Patient Specific Criteria * Present psychiatric disease as defined by DSM IV (e.g. psychosis, bipolar disorder, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder), alcohol or drug dependence, or documented developmental delays or impairments (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, or mental retardation) that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements or safe participation in the study
Where this trial is running
Cincinnati, Ohio
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kacie Peters
- Email: Kacie.Peters@cchmc.org
- Phone: 513-517-0594
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.