Understanding subtypes of chronic musculoskeletal pain in youth
Official title: Biopsychosocial Risk Influences on the Development and Generation of Early-Onset Chronic Pain
Run by Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati · NCT07602595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This observational study tests whether distinct brain and immune profiles can explain chronic musculoskeletal pain in teens and young adults to guide more precise treatments.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 26 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 2029 |
| Study ends | August 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07602595 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Teens and young adults aged 14-26 with a history of pediatric-onset rheumatic disease, MSK pain, or related surgery who are at risk for chronic pain and meet eligibility criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with active disease at enrollment or with conditions unrelated to pediatric pain are less likely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study will identify mechanistically distinct subgroups of pediatric-onset chronic musculoskeletal pain by combining historical medical data with current pain assessments, sensory testing, immune markers, and patient-reported outcomes. It uses a mixed retrospective-prospective design, enrolling participants aged 14-26 with a history of pediatric rheumatic disease, major musculoskeletal surgery, or chronic MSK pain, and evaluates psychosocial factors that influence pain outcomes. The goal is to map subtypes to targeted management approaches and improve long-term outcomes for youth with chronic MSK pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could refine how chronic MSK pain is classified in youth and support development of subtype-specific treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests heterogeneity in pediatric chronic pain; this study extends that work with integrated neuro-immune profiling, which is promising but still exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of rheumatic/autoimmune disease/pain condition or initial MSK surgery prior to age 18 * Current age 14 to 26 years * Participant (and parent/legal guardian of participants \< 18 yo) can read and write in English * At least 1 year from diagnosis of pain or rheumatic disease * For individuals with MSK surgical history, at least 1 year after initial surgical intervention * For individuals with rheumatic disease, their disease must be considered inactive Exclusion Criteria: * They have active disease (JIA or cSLE) * Other medical conditions (e.g., malignancy, acute injury, surgery, infection) that impact current health status at the time of enrollment * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Where it's running
-
Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Megan Kirschman
- Email: bridgestudy@cchmc.org
- Phone: 5136361846
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.