Clinical trials

The IMPROVE study is a randomized, controlled, cross-over trial designed to compare intrathecal pump refills performed at home with those carried out in the hospital. Intrathecal drug delivery (IDD) is used in patients with chronic pain or severe spasticity. Use of IDD requires the performance of pump refills about 4-6 times a year which may be a burdensome and stressful experience for patients and their caregivers. Hospital visits can increase stress, pain, and caregiver strain, while early pilot studies suggest home-based refills may be both safe and more comfortable. Eighty-two adult patients in Belgium with an implanted intrathecal pump will be enrolled in the IMPROVE study. Each participant will undergo four refill procedures: two at home and two at the hospital, in randomized order.

A multicenter randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate whether the ability to work in Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type II (PSPS-T2) patients after SCS implantation is different after a personalized biopsychosocial rehabilitation program specifically targeting return to work (RTW) compared with usual care.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of differential target multiplexed spinal cord stimulation for treatment of chronic back and leg pain. Additionally, a subgroup analysis will be performed to evaluate potential differences between paddle/surgical leads versus percutaneous leads.

The primary objective of the study is to examine whether there is a difference in disability after 12 months of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) in patients with Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type 2 (PSPS T2) after receiving a standardized pain medication tapering protocol before SCS implantation, a personalized pain medication tapering protocol before SCS implantation, or no tapering protocol before SCS implantation. The secondary objective of the study is to examine whether there is a difference after 12 months of SCS in PSPS T2 patients after receiving a standardized pain medication tapering protocol before SCS implantation, a personalized pain medication tapering protocol before SCS implantation, or no tapering protocol before SCS implantation on pain intensity, health-related quality of life, participation, domains affected by substance use, anxiety and depression, medication use, psychological constructs, sleep, central sensitization, and healthcare expenditure.