1
|
Jespersen CP, Pedersen HF, Kleinstäuber M, Fink P, Wellnitz KB, Ørnbøl E, Schröder A, Agger JL, Vase L, Finnerup NB, Gormsen LK. Efficacy of patient education and duloxetine, alone and in combination, for patients with multisystem functional somatic disorder: Study protocol for the EDULOX trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 141:107524. [PMID: 38604496 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multisystem functional somatic disorder is characterized by specific patterns of persistent physical symptoms with a complex biopsychosocial etiology. The disorder can lead to disability and personal suffering. Current treatment options require specialized settings, therefore patients often wait a long time to receive specific treatment. Patient education is considered important in most treatment programs, but has only been investigated sparsely as a stand-alone treatment. Pharmacological treatment is limited to tricyclic antidepressants in low doses with no antidepressant properties. Duloxetine has been found effective in single organ functional disorders. As a treatment for multisystem functional somatic disorder, duloxetine could reduce symptoms and treat comorbid anxiety and depression. It may furthermore enhance the effect of patient education through a hypothesized effect on cognitive functioning. The purpose of the EDULOX trial is to study psycho-EDUcation and duLOXetine alone and in combination. METHODS This is a nested study design. The parent trial "EDULOX1" (n = 424) will compare a patient education program with enhanced usual care in an open-labelled, randomized controlled trial. In addition to this, eligible participants will furthermore receive either duloxetine or active placebo in the nested, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, "EDULOX2" (n = 212). Patient and clinician reported outcomes will be collected through questionnaires. CONCLUSION The EDULOX trial may establish evidence for treatments applicable for the majority of patients with multisystem functional somatic disorder. If effective, duloxetine would be a more tolerable pharmacological treatment option that can target comorbid depression and anxiety, and potentially boost the effect of patient education. Trial registration number The study is registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS gov (NCT06232473) and the internal list of research projects at the Region of Central Denmark (Case number 1-16-02-305-23). Approval from the Danish Medical Research Ethics Committees (Case number: 2212291) and the Danish Medicines Agency was obtained under EudraCT Number: 2022-002780-30 and Sponsor's Protocol Code Number: 9515.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pihl Jespersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Heidi Frølund Pedersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maria Kleinstäuber
- Department of Psychology, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kaare Bro Wellnitz
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Schröder
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Johanne Liv Agger
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nanna Brix Finnerup
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lise Kirstine Gormsen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rogers J, Collins G, Husain M, Docherty M. Identifying and managing functional cardiac symptoms. Clin Med (Lond) 2021; 21:37-43. [PMID: 33479066 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2020-0934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recurring chest pain and other cardiac symptoms that cannot be adequately explained by organic pathology are common and can be associated with substantial disability, distress and high healthcare costs. Common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety frequently co-occur with these symptoms and, in some cases, account for their presentation, although they are not universally present. Due to the frequency of functional cardiac presentations and risks of iatrogenic harm, physicians should be familiar with strategies to identify, assess and communicate with patients about these symptoms. A systematic and multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management is often needed. Health beliefs, concerns and any associated behaviours should be elicited and addressed throughout. Psychiatric comorbidities should be concurrently identified and treated. For those with persistent symptoms, psychosocial outcomes can be poor, highlighting the need for further research and investment in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and multidisciplinary service models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Rogers
- University College London, London, UK and specialty registrar in general adult and old age psychiatry, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - George Collins
- University College London, London, UK and specialty registrar in cardiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Mujtaba Husain
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mary Docherty
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|