clinical phenotyping for pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Brain biomarkers and patient phenotype to identify vulnerability in acute and chronic post surgical pain.
IRAS ID
312018
Contact name
Fang Gao
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham , Head of research governance and integrity
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
RRK6969, Addendum
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) has been defined as pain lasting more than two months following surgery. It is a common issue with a prevalence ranging from 10-50% and can lead to a lower quality of life and increased use of health care resources. Our previous studies have shown that by recording brain activity via an electroencephalogram (EEG) to detect the brain frequency – known as peak alpha frequency (PAF) - one can predict CPSP intensity. Specifically, these studies have shown that the lower the alpha frequency of the patient pre-surgery, the worse the postoperative pain. Although the relationship between PAF and CPSP is currently being investigated for patients undergoing chest surgeries at University Hospitals Birmingham, it remains unknown whether this relationship is true for all surgical types. Confirming such a relationship, would not only improve our understanding of CPSP but also allow doctors to identify patients who are likely to develop it. This could lead to pre-emptive interventions with the aim of reducing CPSP – the implications of which include an improved quality of life for patients, a reduced burden on healthcare resources, and less sick-leave.
The aim of this study is therefore to expand upon our current evidence that pre-surgical alpha frequency (PAF) can be used as a reliable predictor for CPSP intensity and test whether this is true for all surgical types.
This study aims to include consenting patients undergoing all types of surgery in the University Hospitals Birmingham.
To conduct this study, patients will undergo an EEG test during a resting period prior to surgery to determine PAF, and a further EEGs following surgery. They will also be monitored for post-operative pain scores and requirement for opioids at these times. They will be followed up for 1 year for monitoring of their pain scores including further EEGs.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0018
Date of REC Opinion
31 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion