Studying the Role of Gut Microbiome in Adults with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Observing Gut Bacteria Differences and Recovery Predictions

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the role of the gut microbiome in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome CRPS through two related, observational studies. Study A aims to understand how differences in gut bacteria and metabolites relate to the severity and persistence of CRPS symptoms in people with acute or chronic CRPS. Study B focuses on newly diagnosed CRPS patients to see if gut microbiome markers can predict who is more likely to recover. Both studies also explore how cognitive flexibility relates to patient outcomes. The studies include groups of adults with different durations of CRPS, as well as household controls. Participants include those with recent CRPS diagnosis less than 6 months and those with longer-term diagnoses either less than or more than 1 year. Participants provide stool samples and undergo cognitive testing. No treatments or interventions are given as this is an observational study. The studies track changes over time, with primary outcomes measured at up to one month and at 12 months. Participants will be involved in providing stool samples for microbiome analysis and completing cognitive tests such as the Stroop Color Word Test. Researchers will analyze the relationship between microbiome differences and CRPS severity, recovery, and cognitive flexibility. The main outcomes include gut microbiome taxonomic and metabolomic differences and recovery status over 12 months. The study is sponsored by Washington University School of Medicine and is open to adults 18 years and older.

Role of the Gut Microbiome in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome