Chronic Opioid Use and Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (COED)

Contact Miranda to enroll!

913-588-7630

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This study is being done in collaboration

with Andrea Chadwick, MD

 

We are conducting a clinical study to understand the relationship between opioid use and sensitivity to pain by looking at differences in skin nerves between individuals.

Studies in various pain conditions (e.g., painful diabetic neuropathy, painful chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and fibromyalgia) suggest changes in epidermal innervation may underlie pain in the feet and hands. Our preclinical studies reveal that changes in epidermal axons play a key role in the development of pain. We postulate that chronic opioid use in patients with chronic pain due to non- cancer conditions 1) contributes to detrimental changes in epidermal axons, 2) works against pain-relieving actions of opioids to reduce pain, and 3) is possibly linked to opioid-induced hyperalgesia. 

Our short-term goals are to determine if epidermal axons are altered in patients taking opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain, and if epidermal axonal changes predict heightened pain sensitivity. This pilot study will test whether changes in epidermal axons are “dose-dependent” in patients taking low-dose, moderate-dose, or high-dose opioid therapy. Our long-term goals will determine whether dose-reduction or cessation of opioids can reverse axonal changes, or whether these adverse chances can be prevented with other medications. Our central hypothesis is that patients on opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain will exhibit elevated epidermal axon densities, and these elevations are accompanied with hyperalgesia and allodynia. 

 

How can you participate?

You can participate if you are:

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  • a male or female between 18-65 yrs old

  • healthy - OR -

  • chronic pain patients using opioids - OR-

  • chronic pain patient not using opioids

Here’s what you’ll do:

  • an online survey

  • pain sensitivity testing

  • a skin biopsy

  • a cheek swab

Benefits!!

  • You’ll receive $125 if you qualify for the study.

  • There are no costs to you to participate.

  • You’ll help us learn more about how skin innervation is affected by chronic pain and/or opioid use!!