Overlap

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Exploring Associations and Overlap between Disorders of a Medically Unexplained and Organic Nature (OVERLAP)

  • IRAS ID

    226262

  • Contact name

    Yan Yiannakou

  • Contact email

    yan.yiannakou@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    Count Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 2 days

  • Research summary

    This study represents the first phase of a programme of research which encompasses two studies. Study A - Prevalence study which aims to characterise the strength of the associations between Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue and Fybromalgia. Study B - OVERLAP:Surgery will look at the interaction these conditions have on the outcome of surgery for pelvic floor failure.
    The objectives for the OVERLAP prevalence study are
    i) To characterise the coexistence of multi-morbidity within the Medically Unexplained Syndrome (MUS) spectrum within tertiary care clinic populations and establish a hierarchy of prevalence

    ii) To investigate temporal relationships in overlap of the different contributing disorders

    iii) To quantify the relationship between MUS disorder and joint hypermobility

    iv) To consent patients for future contact to participate in
    a) a questionnaire study of symptom overlap;
    b) an investigation of multidisciplinary team management of disease and
    c) mechanistic studies to test hypotheses generated in objectives i) to iii above)

    -The project is questionnaire based, recruiting patients from three specialist clinics. Control patients of similar demographic and medical backgrounds will also be recruited.

    We will also aim to gain consent for contact for future research projects.

    The 2nd study within the project, OVERLAP:Surgery will recruit patients that have undergone surgery in the form of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy. They will be asked the same questions as the prevalence study with a supplemental bank of questions assessing outcome of surgery. The results from this cohort will contribute to the work for Miss French's Thesis for her MD. The aim of this study will be to assess the role MUS have on the outcome of surgery.

    The time scale for recruitment will be 2 years.

  • REC name

    London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/LO/1435

  • Date of REC Opinion

    6 Sep 2017

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion