Study of COMT and OPRM1 Gene Variations Affecting Post-Operative Pain in Children Ages 8 to 18 Undergoing Orthopedic, Abdominal, Thoracic, and Plastic Surgeries

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to investigate how specific genetic variations, particularly the A118G single-nucleotide polymorphism SNP in the mu-opioid receptor 1 OPRM1 gene and several SNPs in the Catechol-O-methyltransferase COMT gene, may influence postoperative pain and other recovery-related outcomes in children aged 8 to 18 undergoing various surgeries including orthopedic, abdominal, thoracic, and plastic procedures. The study focuses on understanding differences in pain sensitivity and opioid response among children due to these genetic factors. This is a prospective observational study involving about 200 children who will be monitored for their postoperative pain scores and other recovery aspects without altering their usual care. Researchers will assess pain levels, sedation, opioid use during and after surgery, the duration of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit PACU, and occurrences of respiratory depression or nausea and vomiting. Genetic testing will be conducted, but the study does not involve any experimental treatments. Participants will be evaluated during surgery and until discharge from the PACU, approximately 3 hours postoperatively. Data collected include pain scores, sedation levels, opioid requirements, and recovery duration, along with monitoring for side effects like respiratory depression and nausea. The study will use statistical analyses to explore how genetic differences relate to these outcomes, with the goal of improving personalized pain management for children undergoing surgery.

COMT and OPRM1 Polymorphisms and Their Effect on Post-Operative Pain in Children