Pain and neurodiversity in refractory rheumatoid arthritis patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterizing neuroinflammatory and psychological correlates in refractory rheumatoid arthritis patients
IRAS ID
321871
Contact name
Lucy Zhao
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis. In refractory RA, pain, a dominating symptom, is poorly described, and under treated. The underlying mechanisms involved are regulated by higher brain structures responsible for our emotional and cognitive states1. Therefore, it is thought that atypical changes in these regions (e.g., neurodivergent traits associated with depression, anxiety, autism, or ADHD) can influence the way we perceive pain, therefore contributing to the development of chronic pain. However, despite their significant relevance in RA and refractory disease activity, neither pain nor neurodiversity/mental health components have been appropriately assessed in the clinic or in research. We aim to address this unmet need.
To investigate how pain manifests in refractory RA, to include the influence psychological factors have on the pain experience and disease activity, our aim, in refractory RA patients, is to 1) generate sensory profiles using quantitative sensory testing (QST); 2) assess neurodiversity profiles using mental health questionnaires, and 3) evaluate disease activity by using clinical reports and measuring inflammatory biomarkers in blood samples. In doing so, we aim to establish a bedside protocol that will help clinicians consolidate an appropriate classification of the disease state, providing patients with personalized therapeutic strategies.REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0046
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion