Fatigue in Neuropathic Disorders (FIND Study)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Fatigue in Neuropathic Disorders (FIND Study)
IRAS ID
206150
Contact name
Yusuf A. Rajabally
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aston University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
Disabling fatigue has been documented in patients suffering a slowly progressive inflammatory disease of the nerves (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy; CIDP), hereditary nerve disease (Charcot-Marie-Tooth; CMT) and other acquired nerve disorders developing in adulthood. However, we do not know if this is associated with loss of nerve fibres in the arms and legs, and/or with brain dysfunction. We aim to investigate these possibilities in patients with CIDP, CMT and other acquired nerve disorders.
Recent studies have suggested such associations in other similar illnesses. For example, between fatigue and loss of nerve fibres in Guillan-Barre Syndrome; a related but separate rapidly progressive inflammatory disease of the nerves.
Fatigue will be assessed with a validated questionnaire (Rasch-Built Fatigue Severity Score). Routine clinical examination will be performed assessing strength and neurological function (overall neuropathy limitation score, Rasch-Built overall disability score). Brain function will be investigated using a safe imaging technique called fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), peripheral nerve loss will be determined using safe and well-tolerated surface electrical nerve test of the limbs.
Clinical examination, fMRI and electrical tests will be repeated at specific intervals following treatment, which consists either of intravenous immunoglobulin or physiotherapy (at UHB), administered as part of routine clinical care. This is to see if any improvements in fatigue after treatment are coupled with improvements in brain and nerve fibre function.
The aim of this study is to ascertain if fMRI/electrical tests may be objective markers of fatigue in CIDP, CMT and other acquired nerve disorders. It is also anticipated that the findings from the post-treatment results may provide preliminary data on treatment effects on fatigue, for future and larger multicenter studies.
Questionnaire assessments, examination, electrical nerve tests and fMRI brain imaging will take place in the Aston Brain Centre at Aston University. There will be a maximum of two visits before and two visits after treatment.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0798
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion