Identification of Potential Biomarkers for Pain

Development of a Serum Biomarker-Based Approach to Monitor Opioid Adherence and Minimize Substance Misuse in Chronic Pain Management

The study investigates the potential of using serum biomarkers to assess pain in fibromyalgia patients.

At the heart of the opioid epidemic is the lack of an objective measure of pain, which will help evaluate the validity of the patients' perception that the current dosage of opioid is sufficient of insufficient to alleviate pain. This study will test the quantifiable proteins such as S100B and BDNF will serve as objective measures (biomarkers) of pain.

Fibromyalgia patients will be recruited into two groups-- one that uses opioids and the other that does not. Blood will be collected every 6 months for two years. The serum will be used to assay for levels of S100B and BDNF, The pressure-pain threshold (PPT) data, as part of standard of care, will also be collected. Correlation will the be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Evidence of a history of substance abuse, neurological or oncologic disease, ischemic heart disease, kidney or hepatic insufficiency.