Study to Identify the Genetic Variations Associated With Phantom Limb Pain
| Status: | Active, not recruiting |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - Any |
| Updated: | 10/8/2017 |
| Start Date: | March 2012 |
| End Date: | October 2018 |
The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a genetic component to phantom limb
pain. DNA will be analyzed for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between the control and
phantom limb pain group. Total RNA will also be isolated and profiled to asses the degree to
which our gene(s) of interest are expressed in the presence or absence of phantom limb pain.
Some proteins, such as inflammatory antibodies or the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic
factor (BDNF), will also be assessed for their association(s) with phantom limb pain.
pain. DNA will be analyzed for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between the control and
phantom limb pain group. Total RNA will also be isolated and profiled to asses the degree to
which our gene(s) of interest are expressed in the presence or absence of phantom limb pain.
Some proteins, such as inflammatory antibodies or the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic
factor (BDNF), will also be assessed for their association(s) with phantom limb pain.
Most patients (90-95%)with major limb amputations experience a phantom limb--the vivid
impression that the limb is still present. In many cases, the sensation is painful for
reasons that are currently not well understood. A small subset of amputees (<10%) never
experience phantom limb pain (PLP), the painful sensation felt in the amputated limb. This
difference suggests that there may be a genetic component that precludes some patients from
ever experiencing PLP. Understanding the genetic components of PLP may help in predicting
which patients will experience PLP and which amputees will respond to the various treatment
options available.
In order to understand the genetic aspects and ultimately develop more effective treatment
options in the future, patients with and without PLP will be asked to give 30 mls of blood
after overnight fasting. These blood samples will be de-identified and sent to the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, where all of the genetic analyses will take
place.
impression that the limb is still present. In many cases, the sensation is painful for
reasons that are currently not well understood. A small subset of amputees (<10%) never
experience phantom limb pain (PLP), the painful sensation felt in the amputated limb. This
difference suggests that there may be a genetic component that precludes some patients from
ever experiencing PLP. Understanding the genetic components of PLP may help in predicting
which patients will experience PLP and which amputees will respond to the various treatment
options available.
In order to understand the genetic aspects and ultimately develop more effective treatment
options in the future, patients with and without PLP will be asked to give 30 mls of blood
after overnight fasting. These blood samples will be de-identified and sent to the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, where all of the genetic analyses will take
place.
Chronic PLP Group:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Written informed consent and written authorization for use or release of health and
research study information
- Single or multiple upper and/or lower limb amputation
- At least three months post-amputation
- Ability to follow study instructions and likely to complete required visit(s)
- Experienced PLP for at least one month and at least 3 times per week
- Phantom limb pain differentiated from residual limb pain by physical exam.
- Subjects taking blood thinners or other medications that do not increase risk during a
blood draw.
Non-Chronic PLP Group:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Written informed consent and written authorization for use or release of health and
research study information
- Single or multiple upper and/or lower limb(s) amputation
- At least three months post-amputation
- Ability to follow study instructions and likely to complete required visit(s)
- Experienced PLP less than 10 times total and/or for less than two weeks
- Subjects taking blood thinners or other medications that do not increase risk during a
blood draw.
We found this trial at
2
sites
7000 Fannin St
Houston, Texas 77030
Houston, Texas 77030
(713) 500-4472
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston The University of Texas Health Science Center...
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Bethesda, Maryland 20889
Principal Investigator: Paul F. Pasquina, MD, MC
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