Pain in Paediatric CFS/ME V2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating different pain phenotypes in children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) through quantitative sensory testing (QST) and qualitative interviewing
IRAS ID
272687
Contact name
Esther Crawley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in children is common and disabling. Over 60% of young people with CFS/ME experience moderate/severe pain, which is associated with more fatigue and worse physical function. In adults with CFS/ME, pain is associated with worse outcomes. However, little is understood regarding the different types of pain involved in paediatric CFS/ME. Understanding this, and mechanisms underlying the pain in paediatric CFS/ME is necessary to improve current treatments.
Quantitative sensory testing (QST) has been widely used in children with and without chronic pain. It uses noninvasive stimuli, such as warmth and pressure, to measure sensory perception and pain thresholds. Recent, ongoing work at the University of Bristol has shown that this testing is feasible and acceptable to young people with CFS/ME. Interviews with young people who completed QST showed that they found the testing 'straightforward' and 'really easy'. Thus far, no participants described any substantial impact on their CFS/ME symptoms specifically attributable to QST.
Our aim is to use QST to quantify pain and sensory thresholds in children and young people with CFS/ME. We will invite up to 30 young people aged 11-17 years with CFS/ME who attend the specialist paediatric CFS/ME service in Bristol to participate. Participants will be asked to complete a pain inventory and repeat inventories completed in clinic if >3 months since completion. We will apply cold, warm, and pressure sensations to a small area on the participants hands and legs. Four body sites will be tested in total. We will ask participants to rate when the sensation is detected and when it becomes painful. Participants will then be invited to complete a short interview, via skype, telephone or in person (according to their preference) exploring their experiences of pain and QST.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SW/0233
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion