Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, 63017, United States
Location status: Recruiting
Location contact
Alana McMichael, MA
CONTACT
Hadas Nahman-Averbuch, PhD
CONTACT
Hadas Nahman-Averbuch, PhD
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
Recruiting
NCT Number: NCT07217782
Pain in Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatologic disease in children. The main symptoms of JIA, which are often the primary focus of treatment, include joint swelling, stiffness, and tenderness. Additional symptoms can include malaise, fatigue, and pain. However, the exact mechanisms contributing to pain are not yet fully understood. Participants will complete a 2.5-hours study session.
In the study session, psychophysical assessments of thermal and pressure stimuli will be performed. In addition, demographic, social, pubertal maturation, and behavioral and psychological factors will be collected via questionnaires. A saliva sample and/or blood draw may occur for the analysis of various immune factors and sex hormones. If a joint aspiration is done as part of their standard of care, we will request a sample of the synovial fluid for analyses of immune, hormonal and/or genetic factors. Participants will have the option to participate in additional optional follow-up study visits (every 3 months, up to 1 year) and to complete monthly surveys asking about their juvenile arthritis.
Recruiting
Interested in participating?
Request InfoKey information
Conditions
Age range
9 year–17 year
Sex eligibility
All sexes
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Not applicable
Primary location
Who can participate
Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Inclusion criteria
- Age between 9-17
- Males and females
- English speakers
- Able to complete surveys and understand study instructions
- Juvenile arthritis group: diagnosed or suspected of juvenile arthritis
- Control group: healthy
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- (Control Group) Diagnosed with a chronic pain condition
- (Control Group) Diagnosed with psychiatric condition including ADHD, anxiety, depression, etc.
Treatment and study plan
Pressure pain thresholds (measured in kilopascal)
BehavioralPressure will be increased continually and participants will be instructed to press a button the first moment they feel pain from the pressure stimulus. The first threshold measurement will be used as a familiarization. The average threshold is calculated from three measurements. Higher value indicates lower experimental pain sensitivity
Cold pain tolerance (duration in seconds)
BehavioralCold pain tolerance will be assessed by having participants immerse their hand or foot in a cold (4-12°C) water bath. Tolerance will be defined by the time of hand withdrawal. Pain ratings of cold pain intensity might be obtained periodically, and both pain intensity and pain unpleasantness will be recorded upon hand/foot withdrawal. Higher value indicates lower experimental pain sensitivity
Primary outcomes
-
Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) (measured in kilopascal)
Time frame: 1 year
Differences in PPT between patients and controls.
Pressure will be increased continually and participants will be instructed to press a button the first moment they feel pain from the pressure stimulus. The first threshold measurement will be used as a familiarization. The average threshold is calculated from three measurements. Higher value indicates lower experimental pain sensitivity
-
Cold pain tolerance (duration in seconds)
Time frame: 1 year
Differences between patients and controls
Cold pain tolerance will be assessed by having participants immerse their hand or foot in a cold (4-12°C) water bath. Tolerance will be defined by the time of hand withdrawal. Pain ratings of cold pain intensity might be obtained periodically, and both pain intensity and pain unpleasantness will be recorded upon hand/foot withdrawal. Higher value indicates lower experimental pain sensitivity
Study contacts
Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.
Sponsors and collaborators
Lead sponsor
Washington University School of Medicine
Other
Registry information
Official study title
Pain Processing Mechanisms in Patients With Juvenile Arthritis
Important dates
- Study start
- 2025
- Primary completion
- 2030
- Study completion
- 2035
- First posted
- Oct 16, 2025
- Registry last updated
- Jul 14, 2026
OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.
View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.
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