Autoimmunity-informed Phenotyping In patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome (APIF)

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Currently recruiting for Fibromyalgia study (Criteria applies)

 

Background and study aims
The causes of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a wide-spread chronic (long-lasting) pain condition, are currently unknown. Treatment is often not effective and many patients suffer from unrelenting pain without relief. FMS is linked with additional symptoms, including pain changes at different temperatures, pain in response to pressure in various parts of the body, bowel problems, poor sleep, fatigue and memory problems. Patients can often feel bewildered and distressed by these unexplained symptoms.
Recent research from this research team suggests that many patients have substances called autoantibodies in their blood that cause the FMS symptoms. These autoantibodies also affect the temperature at which patients feel most comfortable. But there is not currently enough evidence on this to enable doctors to inform patients about how common the temperature dependence of FMS is.
This study aims to investigate patients' own perception of the temperature at which they feel at their best, and how a change in temperature affects their other FMS symptoms and their measured sensitivity to pressure. The results from this study, together with the results from previous laboratory tests, will allow doctors to better explain the temperature dependence of symptoms to their patients. Putting patients' experienced symptoms into context with information about the situation of other patients who suffer from the same condition should reduce patients' distress.

Who can participate?
Any English-speaking adult over the age of 18 with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and symptoms of at least 1 year duration who is not pregnant or breastfeeding, AND is a patient of The Walton Centre or has been a patient in the past

What does the study involve?
Participants will be asked a series of questions about their health and FMS. There will be a short test of pressure-related pain and skin sensitivity and the opportunity to donate blood to the Liverpool Biobank for our ongoing research into the immune causes of fibromyalgia.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Doctors currently know very little about FMS and diagnosis is difficult. The knowledge gained from this study will support healthcare professionals to inform patients about these FMS-associated sensitivities and their causes. Better explanation of the underlying causes for these symptoms can reassure patients that their symptoms have a physical cause, reducing distress. The results might allow doctors to better advise patients in the future about the benefits of different temperatures. The risks of participating very small. Sometimes, following the sensory testing, patients experience residual lingering pain for a few days.

Where is the study run from?
The Walton Centre, Liverpool (UK)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
September 2018 to August 2021

Who is funding the study?
UK Medical Research Council (MRC)

If you meet the criteria to be included in this study and wish to be considered to take part then please contact Hayley.McCullough@liverpool.ac.uk