Current Pain Research Studies
Active Protocols
QST
“Pain
Response in Patients on Long Term Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain.”
IRB
Protocol 2003P-000110
The Center
is currently recruiting subjects for this IRB-approved study to compare
pain threshold and tolerance using quantitative sensory testing. You may qualify if your are:
- A chronic pain patient currently
on opioid therapy
This is a
research study exploring the effects of opioids on pain threshold and
tolerance. Research will be conducted at the
Massachusetts General
Hospital
Pain
Center
.
The study includes a standardized interview, an entirely non-invasive
examination, and quantitative sensory testing (QST). QST involves
electrical stimulation as well as application of various degrees of heat
and cold (in a range of 32 - 126° F).
For
further information, please contact us at (617)
724-6102
Toll
Free: 1-888-NO- 2- OUCH
mghpainresearch@partners.org
ULTRAM ER
“Clinical
Management of Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia with Tramadol ER”
IRB
Protocol 2007P-000025
The
Center is no longer recruiting subjects for this IRB-approved study.
This is a
research study to see if Ultram ER, an FDA-approved pain medication, would
be helpful in providing pain relief in subjects whose chronic pain is not
well controlled on narcotic pain medicine. The study consists of 6 visits
over 6 weeks. Study testing includes: physical exam, urine testing,
questionnaires and non-invasive (no needles) nerve testing using cold/heat
sensations.
For
further information, please contact us at (617)
724-6102
Toll
Free: 1-888-NO- 2- OUCH
mghpainresearch@partners.org
Chart
Review Study
"Pain
Relief and Functional Improvement Following Opioid Therapy"
IRB
Protocol 2206P-001347
The
purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between opioid
therapy and clinical outcomes. The dose, duration of treatment, and
type of opioid will be compared to outcomes such as pain reduction,
functional improvement, and presence of side effects in chronic pain
patients on opioid therapy. This is a retrospective chart review
study only. Medical records of patients who were seen at
Massachusetts General
Hospital
Pain
Center
from 1995 on,
and who were on opioid therapy, will be examined for variables of opioid
therapy, and clinical outcomes will be recorded.
RAMELTEON
“Clinical Management of Neuropathic Pain with Ramelteon”
IRB Protocol 2008-P-000988
The Center is currently recruiting subjects for this IRB-approved study to conduct a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical study to examine the hypothesis that ramelteon would reduce pain scores and improve functional status in subjects with neuropathic pain. You may qualify if you are:
- Between ages 18 to 65 years.
- Have not been on ramelteon for at least one month.
- Agree to make no change in your current pain medications during the entire study period (5 weeks).
- Have a VAS pain score of 5 or above at the beginning of the study.
- Have had a diagnosed neuropathic pain condition for at least three months. .
- Have a negative urine pregnancy test at each visit if you are a female subject of childbearing potential.
For further information, please contact us at (617) 724-6102
Toll Free: 1-888-NO-2-OUCH
mghpainresearch@partners.org
KETAMINE
"Effect of Ketamine on Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia"
IRB Protocol 2008P-000879
The Center is currently recruiting subjects for a study to develop a diagnostic tool to explain why narcotics do not always improve pain. The study has one to two visits for a total of 6 hours. Compensation will be provided.
The study consists of:
- An interview
- A physical exam
- Lab work (urine test)
- An FDA approved drug infusion
- Sensory Testing – a noninvasive test that involves hot and cold stimulation
We are recruiting two groups of people, ages 18-65, with chronic pain.
- Group 1: People taking narcotic pain medication for the last 3 months.
- Group 2: People not taking narcotic pain medication for the last 3 months.
For further information, please contact us at
617 724-6102 or toll-free at 1-888-No-2-Ouch
mghpainresearch@partners.org
ACUPUNCTURE AND PAIN MANAGEMENT-A NATIONAL SURVEY
A nation wide survey was conducted to gather information regarding the role of acupuncture in pain management from pain physicians and referral physicians who mange clinical pain conditions. In recent years acupuncture has gained popularity in the United States of America as a modality of complementary and alternative medicine for certain disease entities and clinical conditions including pain. Our results indicate that an overwhelming majority of survey responders have a positive attitude toward using acupuncture as an alternative modality for pain management.
To obtain a copy of the in-press paper and read the analysis of our study results please forward a request to MGHpainresearch@partners.org
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