Corneal confocal microscopy in burning mouth syndrome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
EVALUATING THE UTILITY OF CORNEAL CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY IN BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME: Testing a surrogate marker for small fibre neuropathy (a pilot study)
IRAS ID
126124
Contact name
Luke Dawson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Research summary
Burning mouth syndrome is a painful condition that gives an unpleasant and distressing burning sensation in the mouth. This can be difficult to treat and may significantly affect the sufferer’s quality of life. Recent evidence suggests that it may actually be three discretely different conditions that present in the same way. Taking a biopsy sample of the surface of the tongue along with other tests can help differentiate between these different conditions but is involves cutting into the tongue surface and removing some tissue which can be painful and risks complications from surgery. Corneal confocal microscopy is a non-invasive method of taking photographs of the surface of the eye which may offer the same benefits of biopsy but without surgery and with fewer risks. This project is designed to test whether this method is effective in that aim.
It will involve 25 patients undergoing some simple tests that test the function of their nerves and attending for an eye scan. None of these tests will be uncomfortable or involve surgery or needles in any way.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0004
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jan 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion