Adaptations of the Brain in Chronic Pain With Opioid Exposure I
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Chronic Back Pain
- Sponsor
- Northwestern University
- Enrollment
- 250
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- To determine effects of opioid exposure on human brain anatomy and function in CBP using resting-state functional magnetic resonance (fMRI).
- Status
- Active, not recruiting
- Last Updated
- 2 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
This study investigates brain reorganization and behavioral responses in chronic pain with opioid exposure in Chronic Back Pain (CBP).
Detailed Description
Chronic back pain (CBP) is the most prevalent chronic pain condition in the US. Opiates are commonly prescribed to treat CBP; as such, these patients are a primary contributor to the current opioid epidemic. This study will assess the impact of opioid use on brain anatomy and function in those subjects taking opioids without opioid misuse disorder, as well as those subjects with opioid misuse disorder, relative to those with CBP and are not taking opioids and healthy controls. This is an observational study, that seeks to establish risk factors and brain biomarkers for opioid misuse disorder and relate brain adaptations to exposure to both opioids and chronic pain. This study also seeks to determine the impact of opioid use on cognitive, emotional, and motor abilities.
Investigators
Apkar Apkarian
Principal Investigator
Northwestern University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •History of low back pain for a minimum of 6 months daily (prior to screening), meeting the Quebec Task Force Classification System symptom categories I-III;
- •Male or female, age equal or greater than 18 years, with no racial/ethnic restrictions;
- •Must have a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score ≥ 40 mm (of 100 mm maximum) at the baseline scanning visit (for which 0mm = no pain, and 100 mm = worst pain imaginable);
- •Must be able to read and speak English and be willing to read and understand instructions as well as questionnaires;
- •Must be in generally stable health;
- •Must sign an informed consent document after a complete explanation of the study documenting that they understand the purpose of the study, procedures to be undertaken, possible benefits and potential risks, and are willing to participate;
- •Must have, on average ≥ 4/10 units of pain intensity over the course of a 1-2 week period prior to the brain scanning visit;
- •Must be willing to complete daily smartphone/computer app ratings;
- •Must be on regular opioid or NSAID therapy for at least 3 months prior to randomization (for opioid and non-opioid treatment groups, respectively), which will be up to the clinical investigator's decision.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Low back pain associated with any systemic signs or symptoms, e.g., fever, chills;
- •Evidence of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute vertebral fractures,
- •fibromyalgia, history of tumor in the back;
- •Other comorbid chronic pain or neurological conditions;
- •Involvement in litigation regarding their back pain or having a disability claim or receiving workman's compensation or seeking either as a result of back pain;
- •Diagnosis of current major depression or psychiatric disorder requiring treatment, or such a diagnosis in the previous 6 months;
- •Beck Depression Inventory II score of \>28;
- •Use of therapeutic doses of antidepressant medications at unstable doses (i.e., tricyclic depressants,
- •SSRIs, SNRIs; low doses used for sleep may be allowed);
- •Significant other medical disease such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary or peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, or malignancy;
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
To determine effects of opioid exposure on human brain anatomy and function in CBP using resting-state functional magnetic resonance (fMRI).
Time Frame: 1-2 years
We will test the impact of opioid use on brain anatomy and function. For this, all participants will undergo a resting-state functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) exam. Measures of brain anatomy and brain connectivity will be acquired and compared between the observational groups (CBP+O and CBP+mOUD, relative to CBP-O and healthy control). We seek to establish risk factors and brain biomarkers for OUD and relate brain adaptations to exposure to both opioids and chronic pain.
To determine cognition, emotion, and motor abilities with opioid exposure in CBP, and to identify associated human brain maladptions.
Time Frame: 1-2 years
We will test the impact of opioid use on abilities in CBP+O and CBP+mOUD, relative to CBP-O and healthy controls. For this participants will respond to questionnaires related to their thoughts and feelings.