ClinicalTrials.gg
WithdrawnNCT03395275Updated Mar 7, 2023

Intrathecal Morphine Microdose Method Sensory Changes

An interventional study of Quantitative Sensory Tests and surveys in Analgesic Drug Dependence, Sensory Disorders and Chronic Pain, sponsored by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. Withdrawn. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 75 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2023-03-07.

Sponsored by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston · Not applicable, Interventional, and Diagnostic

Why this study was withdrawn
lack of recruitment and funding
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
0
Allocation
Not applicable
Ages
18 Years to 75 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

Following the retrospective study on the effectiveness of the microdose method of intrathecal morphine therapy, the investigators are interested in measuring the sensory changes at 4 time points during the microdose method. The microdose method involves weaning the patient off oral opioids and maintaining an opioid-free period prior to initiating a very low opioid dose in intrathecal therapy. The microdose method is a standard of care. The study involves measuring sensory changes to hot, cold, and pressure. Data collection will be performed at regularly scheduled clinic visits, examining range of doses, pain scores,dose escalations, quantifiable psychosocial factors ( not captured in previous retrospective study), and changes in sensory thresholds.

Read the detailed description

The use of intrathecal drug delivery systems for the management of chronic non-cancer pain has been in practice for over 30 years. A recently published study from the University of Texas Medical Branch performed a retrospective review on the morphine microdose method in community-based clinics. The goal of the study was to examine the morphine microdose method in an outpatient setting and assess success of therapy, pain scores and dose escalation. Patients were successfully weaned off their systemic opioids, maintained in an opioid-free period for 4-6 weeks, and then underwent a microdose trial and implantation. The majority of patients were successfully managed on morphine monotherapy, with a significant reduction in pain scores, and dose escalations comparable to prior studies. No prospective studies have examined the microdose method in correlation with changes in pain sensitivity.

Several studies have looked at the use of various pain testing models to investigate the effects of chronic opioid therapy and changes in pain perception. A systematic review of the literature identified clinical studies incorporating measures of hyperalgesia in patients on chronic opioid therapy. This review was aimed at finding the optimal testing modality to evaluate pain threshold and tolerance to external stimuli, including mechanical (pressure, touch, injection), thermal (cold/heat), and electrical. Although the results did not reveal any one method with sufficient power, several prospective studies evaluating hyperalgesia with heat pain ratings have shown some promising results; two studies revealing significant changes in heat responses for opioid treatment groups, and one study demonstrating lower heat pain perception values following an opioid taper. The latter study of research pertaining to pain sensitivity changes following an opioid taper is lacking, and only recently was a study performed investigating changes in pressure threshold following transition from full mu agonist to buprenorphine. Little is known at this juncture how pain thresholds change due to opioid dose changes and/or route of delivery changes such as oral to intrathecal routes.

02

Conditions studied

  • Analgesic Drug Dependence
  • Sensory Disorders
  • Chronic Pain
03

In context

Sensation Disorders

87 studies on the registry are indexed under Sensation Disorders; 23 are open to participants now.

Browse Sensation Disorders studies →

Lead sponsor

The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston is the lead sponsor of 257 studies on the registry; 38 are open to participants now.

Of its 32 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 26 (81%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 75 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age between 18 and 75
  • Selected for microdose Intrathecal pump therapy by their pain physician
  • Chronic pain for at least 3 months
  • Willing to cooperate with all study procedures

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Presence of cancer
  • Age less than 18 years old or greater than 75
  • Current intrathecal therapy and/or with multiple intrathecal drugs (such as other opioids, local anesthetics, muscle relaxants)
  • Medical conditions (myocardial infarction within the last year, uncontrolled diabetes, disease
  • Recent history of alcohol or substance abuse in the last 5 years
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(1)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

Autoimmune disease

A condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease.

Immunotherapy studies often leave out active autoimmune disease, and some name exceptions, such as thyroid disease on replacement hormone. Check the exceptions this study lists.

05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Diagnostic
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
0 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Intrathecal Pump Therapy Participants

    Patients eligible for intrathecal pump therapy will undergo quantitative sensory tests and surveys during various stages of the treatment process.

    Behavioral: Quantitative Sensory Tests · Behavioral: surveys

Interventions

  • BehavioralQuantitative Sensory Tests

    Three testing modalities will be utilized for this study: 1. Hot threshold test: The hot threshold method we will be utilizing has been described in the literature with good reproducibility and reliability. We will be using a similar system and have reproduced the program using a non-invasive device. 2. Cold threshold test: the same non-invasive device will be used to test cold detection and pain threshold levels. This method is previously described. 3. Pressure threshold: Mechanical testing (pressure pain threshold) will be assessed utilizing an algometer. We have used this method in a previous study and published results.

  • Behavioralsurveys

    surveys including anxiety, depression, pain behavior, fatigue, pain interference, physical function, sleep disturbance, self-efficacy, satisfaction roles

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Heat threshold measurements

    Heat threshold measurements (degrees Celsius) will be obtained using a pen-shaped temperature probe. Tests will be performed on a designated painful and non-painful body surface. Testing will completed when patient reports numeric pain rating of 5 or greater, or at a temperature \>49 degrees Celsius.

    Time frame: 2 years

  2. Cold threshold measurements

    Cold threshold measurements (degrees Celsius) will be obtained using a pen-shaped temperature probe. Tests will be performed on a designated painful and non-painful body surface. Testing will be completed when patient reports discomfort with cold stimulus, or if probe temperature reaches 0 degrees Celsius.

    Time frame: 2 years

  3. Pressure threshold measurements

    Pressure threshold measurements (Newtons) will be obtained using a hand-held algometer. Tests will be performed on a designated painful and non-painful body surface. Testing will be completed when patient reports discomfort with pressure stimulus, or if pressure exceeds 60 Newtons.

    Time frame: 2 years

Secondary outcomes

  1. Demographic Evaluation - Pain History

    To describe the patient population and to evaluate patient factors, which predict successful trials. The investigators will do a chart review of one year prior to start of the trial to examine the pain history.

    Time frame: 2 years

  2. Demographic Evaluation - Medical History

    To describe the patient population and to evaluate patient factors, which predict successful trials. The investigators will do a chart review of one year prior to start of the trial to examine the medical history.

    Time frame: 2 years

  3. Demographic Evaluation - Body Mass Index

    To describe the patient population and to evaluate patient factors, which predict successful trials. The investigators will collect data on body mass index.

    Time frame: 2 years

  4. Demographic Evaluation - Gender

    To describe the patient population and to evaluate patient factors, which predict successful trials. The investigators will collect data on gender.

    Time frame: 2 years

  5. Demographic Evaluation - Surgical History

    To describe the patient population and to evaluate patient factors, which predict successful trials. We will do a chart review of one year prior to start of the trial to examine the surgical history.

    Time frame: 2 years

  6. Demographic Evaluation - Age

    To describe the patient population and to evaluate patient factors, which predict successful trials. The investigators will collect data on patient age.

    Time frame: 2 years

  7. Demographic Evaluation - Social History

    To describe the patient population and to evaluate patient factors, which predict successful trials. We will do a chart review of one year prior to start of the trial to examine the social history.

    Time frame: 2 years

  8. Demographic Evaluation - Urine Drug Tests

    To describe the patient population and to evaluate patient factors, which predict successful trials. We will do a chart review of one year prior to start of the trial to examine the urine drug tests

    Time frame: 2 years

  9. Demographic Evaluation - Numeric Pain Scale Scores

    To describe the patient population and to evaluate patient factors, which predict successful trials. We will do a chart review of one year prior to start of the trial to examine numeric pain scale scores.

    Time frame: 2 years

  10. surveys - Anxiety

    Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System survey on anxiety will be administered at the subject's initial, halfway and end of their evaluations. The results from the surveys will be aggregated and compared to other participants' responses.

    Time frame: 2 years

  11. surveys - Depression

    Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System survey on depression will be administered at the subject's initial, halfway and end of their evaluations. The results from the surveys will be aggregated and compared to other participants' responses.

    Time frame: 2 years

  12. surveys - Pain Behavior

    Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System survey on pain behavior will be administered at the subject's initial, halfway and end of their evaluations. The results from the surveys will be aggregated and compared to other participants' responses.

    Time frame: 2 years

  13. surveys - Fatigue

    Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System survey on fatigue will be administered at the subject's initial, halfway and end of their evaluations. The results from the surveys will be aggregated and compared to other participants' responses.

    Time frame: 2 years

  14. surveys - Pain Interference

    Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System survey on pain interference will be administered at the subject's initial, halfway and end of their evaluations. The results from the surveys will be aggregated and compared to other participants' responses.

    Time frame: 2 years

  15. surveys - Physical Function

    Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System survey on physical function will be administered at the subject's initial, halfway and end of their evaluations. The results from the surveys will be aggregated and compared to other participants' responses.

    Time frame: 2 years

  16. surveys - Sleep Disturbance

    Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System survey on sleep disturbance will be administered at the subject's initial, halfway and end of their evaluations. The results from the surveys will be aggregated and compared to other participants' responses.

    Time frame: 2 years

07

Study locations

No study locations are listed for this record.

08

References and documents

Publications

  • Wallace M, Yaksh TL. Long-term spinal analgesic delivery: a review of the preclinical and clinical literature. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2000 Mar-Apr;25(2):117-57. doi: 10.1053/rapm.2000.0250117. No abstract available. PubMed 10746527 ↗
  • Wilkes DM, Orillosa SJ, Hustak EC, Williams CG, Doulatram GR, Solanki DR, Garcia EA, Huang LM. Efficacy, Safety, and Feasibility of the Morphine Microdose Method in Community-Based Clinics. Pain Med. 2018 Sep 1;19(9):1782-1789. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnx132. PubMed 29016893 ↗
  • Hamza M, Doleys D, Wells M, Weisbein J, Hoff J, Martin M, Soteropoulos C, Barreto J, Deschner S, Ketchum J. Prospective study of 3-year follow-up of low-dose intrathecal opioids in the management of chronic nonmalignant pain. Pain Med. 2012 Oct;13(10):1304-13. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01451.x. Epub 2012 Jul 30. PubMed 22845187 ↗
  • Grider JS, Harned ME, Etscheidt MA. Patient selection and outcomes using a low-dose intrathecal opioid trialing method for chronic nonmalignant pain. Pain Physician. 2011 Jul-Aug;14(4):343-51. PubMed 21785477 ↗
  • Pud D, Cohen D, Lawental E, Eisenberg E. Opioids and abnormal pain perception: New evidence from a study of chronic opioid addicts and healthy subjects. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2006 May 20;82(3):218-23. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2005.09.007. Epub 2005 Oct 17. PubMed 16229972 ↗
  • Chu LF, D'Arcy N, Brady C, Zamora AK, Young CA, Kim JE, Clemenson AM, Angst MS, Clark DJ. Analgesic tolerance without demonstrable opioid-induced hyperalgesia: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of sustained-release morphine for treatment of chronic nonradicular low-back pain. Pain. 2012 Aug;153(8):1583-1592. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2012.02.028. Epub 2012 Jun 16. PubMed 22704854 ↗
  • Krishnan S, Salter A, Sullivan T, Gentgall M, White J, Rolan P. Comparison of pain models to detect opioid-induced hyperalgesia. J Pain Res. 2012;5:99-106. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S27738. Epub 2012 Apr 27. PubMed 22570562 ↗
  • Wasserman RA, Hassett AL, Harte SE, Goesling J, Malinoff HL, Berland DW, Zollars J, Moser SE, Brummett CM. Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Patients With Suspected Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2015 Nov-Dec;40(6):687-93. doi: 10.1097/AAP.0000000000000315. PubMed 26469365 ↗
  • Katz NP, Paillard FC, Edwards RR. Review of the performance of quantitative sensory testing methods to detect hyperalgesia in chronic pain patients on long-term opioids. Anesthesiology. 2015 Mar;122(3):677-85. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000000530. PubMed 25437498 ↗
  • Suzan E, Eisenberg E, Treister R, Haddad M, Pud D. A negative correlation between hyperalgesia and analgesia in patients with chronic radicular pain: is hydromorphone therapy a double-edged sword? Pain Physician. 2013 Jan;16(1):65-76. PubMed 23340535 ↗
  • Hooten WM, Mantilla CB, Sandroni P, Townsend CO. Associations between heat pain perception and opioid dose among patients with chronic pain undergoing opioid tapering. Pain Med. 2010 Nov;11(11):1587-98. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00962.x. Epub 2010 Oct 1. PubMed 21029354 ↗
  • Wasserman RA, Hassett AL, Harte SE, Goesling J, Malinoff HL, Berland DW, Zollars J, Moser SE, Brummett CM. Pressure sensitivity and phenotypic changes in patients with suspected opioid-induced hyperalgesia being withdrawn from full mu agonists. J Nat Sci. 2017 Feb;3(2):e319. PubMed 28361126 ↗
  • Dyck PJ, Zimmerman IR, Johnson DM, Gillen D, Hokanson JL, Karnes JL, Gruener G, O'Brien PC. A standard test of heat-pain responses using CASE IV. J Neurol Sci. 1996 Mar;136(1-2):54-63. doi: 10.1016/0022-510x(95)00277-9. PubMed 8815179 ↗
  • Wright A, Benson HAE, Will R, Moss P. Cold Pain Threshold Identifies a Subgroup of Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis That Present With Multimodality Hyperalgesia and Elevated Pain Levels. Clin J Pain. 2017 Sep;33(9):793-803. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000458. PubMed 27898461 ↗
  • Wilkes D, Martinello C, Medeiros FA, Babazade R, Hurwitz E, Khanjee N, Iyer PS, Leary P, Vadhera RB. Ultrasound-determined landmarks decrease pressure pain at epidural insertion site in immediate post-partum period. Minerva Anestesiol. 2017 Oct;83(10):1034-1041. doi: 10.23736/S0375-9393.17.11782-7. Epub 2017 Apr 11. PubMed 28402092 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: Undecided

09

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reached

Ran from Oct 2018 to primary completion in Feb 2023, 51 months.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Dec 5, 2017
First posted
Jan 10, 2018
StartActual
Oct 8, 2018
Primary completionActual
Feb 3, 2023
CompletionActual
Feb 3, 2023
Last update
Mar 7, 2023
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Mar 7, 2023, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT03395275
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Jan 10, 2018
Start date
Oct 8, 2018
Primary completion
Feb 3, 2023
Completion
Feb 3, 2023
Last update
Mar 7, 2023

Study contacts

Denise M Wilkes, MD
principal investigator · Associate Professor

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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This study is withdrawn, as verified in Mar 2023. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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