Actively Recruiting
Observational Study on Small Nerve Bundles in Dupuytren Disease and Their Impact on Recurrence
Led by Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · Updated on 2026-03-16
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Dupuytren disease (DD) is a common hand condition that causes fibrosis nodules and strands in the palm, leading to finger contractures and limited movement. Surgery can remove the fibrosis tissue to restore finger movement, but recurrence is a frequent and difficult problem. Researchers are studying small nerve bundles called micronerves found in the hand fascia, which may be linked to DD and its recurrence. The study also investigates the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF) to understand its role in neuro-induced fibrosis. The research is an observational study involving two groups: 50 patients with primary DD and 30 patients with recurrent DD, all undergoing microfasciectomy surgery. During surgery, the presence, location, and number of micronerves and neuromas will be documented using maps and digital photomicrography. The study aims to correlate these nerve features with clinical outcomes such as motion, pain, and recurrence. Additionally, tissue biopsies will be examined for NGF and myofibroblast cells to explore their role in fibrosis and potential treatment targets. Participants will be monitored before and after surgery, with follow-up assessments at 10 days, 3 months, and 12 months to evaluate motion, pain, and recurrence. Researchers will measure neuromas, NGF, and other cellular markers during surgery and relate these findings to patient outcomes. The study's goal is to improve understanding of nerve involvement in DD and possibly develop surgical techniques that reduce nerve damage, pain, and recurrence over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Micronerves in Dupuytren and the Impact of Its Dissection on Recurrence
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participant or legal representative has voluntarily signed informed consent
- Participants are 18 years or older with primary or recurrent Dupuytren disease
- Patients are eligible for microfasciectomy surgery
You will not qualify if you...
- Patients younger than 18 years
- Patients enrolled in an interventional trial with an investigational medicinal product
- Patients with cognitive impairments
- Patients with severe rheumatic disease
- Patients with neurological disorders causing flexion deformities of the fingers
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Day of surgery
Participants undergo microfasciectomy surgery during which the presence of small nerve bundles, neuromas, and nerve growth factors are documented and biopsies are taken.
1 surgical visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 months
Participants are monitored for clinical outcomes including motion, pain, and recurrence of Dupuytren disease after surgery.
3 follow-up visits at 10 days, 3 months, and 12 months (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium, 3000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
I
Ilse Degreef, Prof. Dr.
A
Anna Tarasiuk
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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