Exploring the Genetics of Neuropathic Pain
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Nerve conduction Studies.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Neuropathic Pain, Genetic Predisposition, Polyneuropathies. Basic parameters: 18 years — 70 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Norway
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Overview
In the present study the investigators will search for new genetic variants relevant for the development of neuropathic pain.
Detailed description
Neuropathic pain is defined as "pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system". Neuropathic pain is a huge health problem worldwide, with an estimated prevalence of 7-8 % in the general population. In the present study the investigators will search for new genetic variants relevant for the development of this type of pain.
Peripheral nerve lesions only progress to neuropathic pain in some patients, yet is not completely understood why or how. Genetic studies of patients with rare neuropathic disorders have been important for elucidating novel molecular mechanisms of neuropathic pain, and new drugs for neuropathic pain are now being developed based on these findings. By using genetic association studies, one may identify new genetic variants which may help to identify key molecular mechanisms for a larger group of patients with neuropathic pain.
This project will use existing population-based cohorts, as well as establish a specific registry and biobank for patients with neuropathy in order to address these specific needs. This will allow the investigators to identify a large number of individuals with probable neuropathic pain and individuals with pain-free peripheral neuropathy (disease controls). International collaboration will contribute to study a large group of patients, which will be important in order to reach the project's goals. The results from the project are expected to increase current knowledge on the mechanisms of neuropathic pain, opening up new opportunities for innovative and improved treatments.
Dissemination of results will be organized in close collaboration with patient representatives, and will be done regularly throughout the course of the project. The will focus both on internal dissemination to the participating hospitals, and external dissemination through participation in conferences, submissions to scientific journals and by publishing patient-friendly information booklets and proactively informing media outlets and patient organizations.
Interventions
- Genetic Nerve conduction Studies
Patients will be genotyped for comparison of patients With and without pain, With different clinical subgroups as mentioned.
Primary outcome measures
- Genetic variants associated with neuropathic pain. [Time frame: Baseline]
- Phenotype; neuropathic pain yes/no [Time frame: Baseline]
- Phenotype; subgroup analysis of patients with neuropathic pain based on grading of pain [Time frame: Baseline]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- The patient is between 18 and 70 years old.
- The patient has consented.
- The patient is referred for evaluation of possible distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN).
- The patient has filled out the questionnaires.
Exclusion criteria
- The patient is too sick to participate (eg. bedridden, fever).
- The patient is unable to consent (eg. dementia, speech problems, psychiatric disorder).
- Inflammatory acute polyneuropathy.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
Study locations
Norway · 5 centers
- Haukeland University Hospital — Bergen
- Oslo University Hospital — Oslo
- Helse Stavanger HF — Stavanger
- University Hospital of North Norway — Tromsø
- St. Olavs Hospital — Trondheim
Publications
- Spildrejorde M, Dunker O, Allen SM, Kvaloy MB, Uglem M, Hjelland I, Loseth S, Bennett DL, Zwart JA, Winsvold BS, Gervin K, Selmer KK, Nilsen KB. Genome-wide association study of neuropathic pain. Pain. 2026 Mar 1;167(3):731-738. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003848. Epub 2025 Nov 21. PMID 41359007
Identifiers
NCT: NCT03862365 · 2017/1593