Pain in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Pain insensibility is often described in people with autism. The aim of this study is to test the pain perception in adults with autistic spectrum disorder without intellectual disability. An experimental model of pain is used to measure endogenous modulation systems. Thermic stimulations (tonic heat pain stimulation and cold-pressor test) are used to test excitatory and inhibitory pain mechanisms. Salivary cortisol and automatic nervous system (heart rate and blood pressure with an electrocardiogram (Brest :system dantec keypoint natus G3 ; Paris: nexfin HD®) are also tested and behavioral response to thermal stimulation assessed by an inspired behavior scale.

Detailed Description
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Adults with autism without intellectual disability (IQ > 85) are matched with members of siblings and control group (sex and chronological age). Pain reactivity (Visual analog scale,endogenous modulation systems, salivary cortisol, automatic nervous system and behavioral responses to thermal stimulation assessed by an inspired behavior scale.) in adult with autism is tested using an experimental model of pain. Excitatory and inhibitory modulation systems were elicited using a temporal summation test administered before and after activation of the Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control (DNIC) by means of a cold-pressor test. Demographic and clinical data are also collected (sensory profile, sleep disorders and depression inventory).

Official Title
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Pain Neuromodulation in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Conditions
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Pain, Autism

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: thermode


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Non-specific inclusion criteria: intellectual quotient >85 consent form signed Inclusion Criteria autism group : autism diagnosis (CIM 10) from multidisciplinary evaluation (ADI-r, ADOS) sibling without autism or developmental disorder Non-specific Exclusion Criteria: chronic pain pregnancy, breast feeding consent form no signed Exclusion criteria sibling and witness groups: - diagnosis of autism or developmental disorder

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: high functioning Autism<br>Thermal stimulation with test thermode Thermic stimulations (tonic heat pain stimulation and cold-pressor test) are used to test excitatory and inhibitory pain mechanisms with high functioning Autism | Device: thermode<br>* thermal stimulation with test thermode<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: witness<br>Thermic stimulations (tonic heat pain stimulation and cold-pressor test) are used to test excitatory and inhibitory pain mechanisms with a witness | Device: thermode<br>* thermal stimulation with test thermode<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pain as assessed by Computerized Visual analog scale |  | one day | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| salivary cortisol |  | one day | 
| Behavioral response to thermal stimulation assessed by an inspired EDM-DI behavior scale |  | one day | 
| heart rate variability |  | one day | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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high functioning autism, endogenous modulation systems