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Vitamin D and n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) to Prevent Chronic Pain Following Major Thermal Burn Injury

Pilot, Double-blind, Randomized Controlled, Multi-center Study of the Effects of Fish Oil and Vitamin D in the Prevention of Chronic Pain Following Major Thermal Burn Injury

Status
Terminated
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03313076
Enrollment
24
Registered
2017-10-18
Start date
2018-07-19
Completion date
2020-07-31
Last updated
2025-03-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Chronic Pain Following Thermal Burn Injury

Keywords

burn injury, thermal burn injury, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, fish oil, chronic pain, chronic pain due to trauma

Brief summary

The goal of this study is to develop a safe, effective, and readily available treatment that will prevent chronic pain following Major Thermal Burn Injury (MThBI). Burn survivors are prone to develop chronic pain and there is an urgent unmet need for preventative treatments. The preventative treatments proposed for this study, Omega-3 Fatty Acids (O3FA) and Vitamin D have been selected given effectiveness across a range of painful musculoskeletal disorders and their wide availability and low cost. This study is a 2x2 factorial, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial test for the effectiveness of O3FA and Vitamin D to prevent chronic pain development. Burn survivors will be enrolled who have experienced thermal burns that cover less than 30% total body surface area that are severe enough to warrant surgical management, which represents the most common burn injury characteristics. Patients will be enrolled within 72 hours of their burn, and randomized via 1:1:1:1 allocation to receive placebo, O3FA, Vitamin D or both. The investigators will obtain blood samples on enrollment and at 6 weeks to assist in elucidating key mechanisms by which O3FA and Vitamin D reduce chronic pain following MThBI. Chronic pain severity, assessed with a 0-10 numeric rating scale at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year will be entered into a repeated-measures model. Model estimated contrasts will serve as the primary outcome.

Detailed description

Patients will be screened daily. Patients who meet eligibility criteria will be approached for participation. Patients interested in participating will proceed through informed consent. Once informed consent is obtained, an initial questionnaire will be administered, a blood draw will be performed to assess for baseline Vitamin D/O3FA concentration and immune profile. Then patients will be randomized into one of 4 treatment arms in 1:1:1:1 allocation. Patients will receive study drug for 6 weeks following burn injury. Adverse event monitoring will occur daily while inpatient and weekly once discharged from the hospital through 6 weeks. Patient compliance with the study drug will be assessed via patient-reported reported missing doses, pill counts at the end of the study, and a 6-week blood draw in which Vitamin D/O3FA levels and immune profile will be assessed. Patient-reported outcomes will be collected via follow-up survey at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year following burn injury.s, and 1 year following burn injury.

Interventions

4 capsules comprising approximately 2 grams of Eicosapentaenoic acid/Docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) in a 3:2 ratio (this will require a total dose of 4 grams of fish oil). This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks

DRUGVitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

1 capsule containing 2000 IU of Vitamin D3. This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks following enrollment.

DRUGVitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) placebo

1 capsule containing inert substance. This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks following enrollment.

DRUGOmega-3 fatty acid placebo

4g of corn/soy oil blend in 4 softgels. This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks following enrollment.

Sponsors

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
FACTORIAL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

Double-blind

Intervention model description

2x2 Factorial design

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* ≥ 18 years and ≤ 65 years of age * Admitted to burn center within 72 hours of thermal burn injury * Estimated Total Body Surface area (TBSA) ≤ 30% * Surgical team has plans for surgical management of the burn wound (e.g. xenograft and/or autograft). * Patients experience a thermal burn injury, not an electrical or chemical burn. * Has a telephone to receive follow-up calls. * Able to speak and read English * Resides within 150 miles of study site * Alert and oriented * Willing to take study medication for 6 weeks following enrollment * Subjects are capable of giving informed consent. * Predicted probability of chronic pain ≥ 0.3 when demographic parameters are entered into a logistic regression model developed from a previous cohort. (Initial pain score entered into this model will be based on the highest pain severity over the initial 24 hours of hospital admission). * European American or African American

Exclusion criteria

* Unwilling to take study drug * Allergy to fish oil or corn/soybean oil. * Patient taking clopidogrel (Plavix) * Patient taking warfarin or dabigatran. * Substantial comorbid injury (e.g. long bone fracture) * Pregnancy/Breastfeeding * Prisoner status * Chronic daily opioid use prior to burn (\>20 mg oral daily morphine equivalents). * Active psychosis, suicidal ideation, or homicidal ideation * Requires an escharotomy or fasciotomy for the treatment of burn injury. * Has a disorder of pain processing or diminished capacity to perceive pain (congenital insensitivity to pain) * Known Child-Pugh liver disease severity classification B or C. * Known chronic kidney disease stage 4 or higher (GFR≤29). * Known Hemophilia A/B * Known bleeding dyscrasia * History of an inability to tolerate fish oil or corn/soybean oil. * Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease * No other history or condition that would, in the investigator's judgment, indicate that the patient would very likely be non-compliant with the study or unsuitable for the study (e.g. might interfere with the study, confound interpretation, or endanger patient). * Intubated and sedated at time of enrollment. * Hypersensitivity to Vitamin D3, ergocalciferol, calcitriol, alfacalcidol, calcipotriol * Hypercalcemia (if not already completed, this will be assessed by clinical labs with albumin correction prior to enrollment). * Hypervitaminosis * Sarcoidosis * Hyperphosphatemia * Arteriosclerosis * Active myocardial ischemia * Frequent antacid use (calcium carbonate, cimetidine) * Cholestyramine or Colestipol use * Taking Vitamin D supplements in excess of 800 IU daily. * Taking \>1g of fish oil per day.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse Events6 weeks following burn injuryA primary objective of this pilot study is to ensure safety of both treatments as well as combined. A qualitative review of treatment-related adverse events will be performed and a determination about the degree of relatedness of each adverse event with the intervention using CTCAE criteria will be made as CTCAE criteria assesses relatedness to therapy. Investigator reviewing the details of each adverse event rated the likelihood of relatedness to the study drug on a scale: (unrelated, unlikely, possible, probably, definitely).
Percent of Participants Who Are Compliant With Follow-up (Feasibility)6 weeks following burn injuryThe primary objective of this pilot study is to ensure that the investigators are able to make follow-up assessments on a majority of participants. The percent of participants who are compliant with follow-up will be determined 6 weeks following major thermal burn injury. Feasibility is defined as \>80% of enrolled participants at 6 weeks following Major Thermal Burn Injury (MThBI).
By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryOver 1 year following MThBIEstimates of efficacy will be obtained via repeated measures analysis of pain severity over the 1 year following injury using mixed effects models. Pain will be assessed using a 0-10 numeric rating scale with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating pain as severe as you can imagine. Higher scores represent worse outcome. These values (collected in identical fashion over 1 year following burn injury) will be entered into a linear mixed model, and overall effect estimates (beta coefficients) among groups will be determined. Final model was a piece-wise linear mixed model, with a cut-point at 6 weeks. Mixed models were adjusted for age, sex, race, initial pain severity. Every 1 unit change in beta coefficient represents a 1 unit change in pain severity on the 0-10 numeric rating scale.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Sex Differences in Treatment Response Based on Pain Scores6 weeks following burn injuryExamines existence of gender-based treatment response differences in pain severity measured by a 0-10 numeric rating scale where 0 is no pain and 10 is the most severe pain. Higher scores reflect greater pain (poor outcome).
Pain Interference by Treatment Group Measured by the Brief Pain Inventory6 weeks following burn injuryThe degree to which pain interferes with important life function will be determined by the Brief Pain Inventory. This is a validated, self-reported scale that measures the severity of pain based on the average pain experienced and assesses impact of pain across 7 domains of life function (e.g., enjoyment of life, relationships, normal work). The total severity scores range from 0 (no interference) to 70 (maximum interference). Higher scores reflect greater pain interference.
General Mental Health as Measured by the Short Form (SF)-12 General Mental Health Component Scores6 weeks following burn injuryAssessment of mental health will be determined by the short form (SF)-12 mental component score. The short form SF-12 Health Survey is a 12-item participant completed questionnaire to measure general health. It includes a mental component score (MCS): ranging from 0 to 100 points. Low values represent a poor health state and high values represent a good mental health.
General Physical Health by Treatment Group Measured by the SF-12 General Physical Health Component Scores6 weeks following burn injuryAssessment of physical health will be determined by the SF-12 physical component score. The SF-12 Health Survey is a 12 item participant completed questionnaire to measure general health. It includes a physical component score (PCS): ranging from 0 to 100 points. Low values represent a poor physical health and high values represent a good physical health.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3
4g fish oil in 4 softgels (n-3 PUFA/O3FA) + 2000 IU Vitamin D3 in 1 capsule Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil): 4 capsules This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): 1 capsule containing 2000 IU of Vitamin D3. This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks following enrollment.
7
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3
4g of corn/soy oil blend in 4 softgels + 2000 IU Vitamin D3 in 1 capsule Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): 1 capsule containing 2000 IU of Vitamin D3. This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks following enrollment. Omega-3 fatty acid placebo: 4g of corn/soy oil blend in 4 softgels. This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks following enrollment.
6
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 Placebo
4g fish oil in 4 softgels (n-3 PUFA/O3FA) + Vitamin D3 matching Placebo, an inert white powder placebo in 1 capsule Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil): 4 capsules This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) placebo: 1 capsule containing inert substance. This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks following enrollment.
6
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 Placebo
4g n-3 PUFA/O3FA Matching Placebo, a corn/soy oil blend in 4 softgels + inert white powder Vitamin D3 matching placebo in 1 capsule Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) placebo: 1 capsule containing inert substance. This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks following enrollment. Omega-3 fatty acid placebo: 4g of corn/soy oil blend in 4 softgels. This will be administered daily, by mouth for 6 weeks following enrollment.
5
Total24

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002FG003
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up0222
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject2000

Baseline characteristics

Characteristicn-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3Totaln-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 Placebon-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 Placebon-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3
Age, Continuous38.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.7
32.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.5
30.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.39
26.9 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.9
34.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.6
Education
College Graduate or beyond
3 Participants6 Participants1 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Education
Completed High School
1 Participants8 Participants2 Participants4 Participants1 Participants
Education
Post-high school education
3 Participants10 Participants2 Participants1 Participants4 Participants
Income
>$100,000/year
2 Participants2 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Income
$40,000-$59,999/year
1 Participants4 Participants1 Participants0 Participants2 Participants
Income
<$40,000/year
1 Participants7 Participants2 Participants3 Participants1 Participants
Income
$60,000-$99,999/year
0 Participants2 Participants1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Income
Refused/Don't know
3 Participants9 Participants1 Participants3 Participants2 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Black American
3 Participants13 Participants3 Participants3 Participants4 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White American
4 Participants11 Participants2 Participants3 Participants2 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
7 Participants24 Participants5 Participants6 Participants6 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
1 Participants5 Participants1 Participants2 Participants1 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
6 Participants19 Participants4 Participants4 Participants5 Participants
Total Body Surface Area Burned4.8 Percent total body surface area burned
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.01
6.1 Percent total body surface area burned
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.7
5.3 Percent total body surface area burned
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.9
6.0 Percent total body surface area burned
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.7
7.9 Percent total body surface area burned
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.4
Type of Thermal Burn
Contact
0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants
Type of Thermal Burn
Flame
4 Participants12 Participants3 Participants2 Participants3 Participants
Type of Thermal Burn
Not reported
1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Type of Thermal Burn
Other
2 Participants4 Participants0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Type of Thermal Burn
Scald
0 Participants6 Participants2 Participants2 Participants2 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 70 / 60 / 60 / 5
other
Total, other adverse events
3 / 71 / 63 / 62 / 5
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 70 / 60 / 60 / 5

Outcome results

Primary

By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn Injury

Estimates of efficacy will be obtained via repeated measures analysis of pain severity over the 1 year following injury using mixed effects models. Pain will be assessed using a 0-10 numeric rating scale with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating pain as severe as you can imagine. Higher scores represent worse outcome. These values (collected in identical fashion over 1 year following burn injury) will be entered into a linear mixed model, and overall effect estimates (beta coefficients) among groups will be determined. Final model was a piece-wise linear mixed model, with a cut-point at 6 weeks. Mixed models were adjusted for age, sex, race, initial pain severity. Every 1 unit change in beta coefficient represents a 1 unit change in pain severity on the 0-10 numeric rating scale.

Time frame: Over 1 year following MThBI

Population: Given the 2x2 factorial design, comparisons were made to assess the differences between one treatment and placebo regardless of the other treatment. E.g. groups were combined to assess whether there was any difference between Vitamin D and placebo regardless of O3FA treatment.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryBaseline (Day 1)7.19 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.15
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 15.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.21
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 24.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.99
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 32.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.45
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 41.73 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.2
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 51.22 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.48
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 61.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.58
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 30.67 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.15
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 61.14 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.46
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 121.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.17
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 23.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.01
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 60.33 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.82
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 32.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.49
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 42.33 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.94
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 51.43 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.27
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 61.57 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.94
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 120.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 30.33 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.58
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryBaseline (Day 1)7.57 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.83
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 15.50 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.21
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 30.25 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.5
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 60.75 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.04
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 120.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.89
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryBaseline (Day 1)7.01 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.72
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 31.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.97
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 51 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.15
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 60.67 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.03
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 15 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.65
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 41.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.78
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3By Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 23.22 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.33
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 42.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.32
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 31.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.41
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 51.56 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.51
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 121.25 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.5
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 62.33 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.65
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 16.09 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.21
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 24.91 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.27
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryWeek 32.90 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.85
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryBaseline (Day 1)7.65 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.14
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboBy Group Efficacy Estimates Over Year Following Thermal Burn InjuryMonth 60.86 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.46
p-value: 0.27695% CI: [-2.32, 0.63]Mixed Models Analysis
p-value: 0.33695% CI: [-0.71, 2.14]Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: Sensitivity analysis adjusting for an influential observation (using the dfbeta approach) that could produce spurious results from a small trial datasetp-value: 0.00495% CI: [-3.76, -0.9]Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: Sensitivity analysis adjusting for an influential observation (using the dfbeta approach) that could produce spurious results from a small trial datasetp-value: 0.13995% CI: [-0.25, 2.09]Mixed Models Analysis
Primary

Percent of Participants Who Are Compliant With Follow-up (Feasibility)

The primary objective of this pilot study is to ensure that the investigators are able to make follow-up assessments on a majority of participants. The percent of participants who are compliant with follow-up will be determined 6 weeks following major thermal burn injury. Feasibility is defined as \>80% of enrolled participants at 6 weeks following Major Thermal Burn Injury (MThBI).

Time frame: 6 weeks following burn injury

Population: After informed consent, initial survey completion, and randomization, 2 participants in the n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 dropped out of the study and were not included in these analyses.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3Percent of Participants Who Are Compliant With Follow-up (Feasibility)100 percentage of participants
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboPercent of Participants Who Are Compliant With Follow-up (Feasibility)50 percentage of participants
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3Percent of Participants Who Are Compliant With Follow-up (Feasibility)83.3 percentage of participants
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboPercent of Participants Who Are Compliant With Follow-up (Feasibility)80 percentage of participants
Primary

Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse Events

A primary objective of this pilot study is to ensure safety of both treatments as well as combined. A qualitative review of treatment-related adverse events will be performed and a determination about the degree of relatedness of each adverse event with the intervention using CTCAE criteria will be made as CTCAE criteria assesses relatedness to therapy. Investigator reviewing the details of each adverse event rated the likelihood of relatedness to the study drug on a scale: (unrelated, unlikely, possible, probably, definitely).

Time frame: 6 weeks following burn injury

Population: Enrolled participants who initiated study treatment

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsPossibly Related1 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsUnlikely Related1 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsUnrelated3 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsDefinitely Related1 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsProbably Related0 adverse events
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboQualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsProbably Related0 adverse events
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboQualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsUnrelated4 adverse events
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboQualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsUnlikely Related3 adverse events
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboQualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsPossibly Related2 adverse events
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboQualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsDefinitely Related1 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsPossibly Related0 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsProbably Related0 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsDefinitely Related0 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsUnlikely Related2 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3Qualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsUnrelated2 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboQualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsUnlikely Related3 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboQualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsPossibly Related0 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboQualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsProbably Related0 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboQualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsDefinitely Related0 adverse events
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboQualitative Review of Treatment-Related Adverse EventsUnrelated2 adverse events
Secondary

General Mental Health as Measured by the Short Form (SF)-12 General Mental Health Component Scores

Assessment of mental health will be determined by the short form (SF)-12 mental component score. The short form SF-12 Health Survey is a 12-item participant completed questionnaire to measure general health. It includes a mental component score (MCS): ranging from 0 to 100 points. Low values represent a poor health state and high values represent a good mental health.

Time frame: 6 weeks following burn injury

Population: The population included were participants who responded to the graft site pain severity question at the 6-week follow-up surveys. Treatment assignment of Omega-3 fatty acids or no Omega-3 fatty acids was considered independent of Vitamin D treatment. Treatment assignment of Vitamin D or no Vitamin D treatment was considered independent of Omega-3 fatty acid treatment.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3General Mental Health as Measured by the Short Form (SF)-12 General Mental Health Component Scores49.98 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.98
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboGeneral Mental Health as Measured by the Short Form (SF)-12 General Mental Health Component Scores48.29 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.79
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3General Mental Health as Measured by the Short Form (SF)-12 General Mental Health Component Scores52.80 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.37
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboGeneral Mental Health as Measured by the Short Form (SF)-12 General Mental Health Component Scores46.16 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.92
Secondary

General Physical Health by Treatment Group Measured by the SF-12 General Physical Health Component Scores

Assessment of physical health will be determined by the SF-12 physical component score. The SF-12 Health Survey is a 12 item participant completed questionnaire to measure general health. It includes a physical component score (PCS): ranging from 0 to 100 points. Low values represent a poor physical health and high values represent a good physical health.

Time frame: 6 weeks following burn injury

Population: The population included were participants who responded to the graft site pain severity question at the 6-week follow-up surveys. Treatment assignment of Omega-3 fatty acids or no Omega-3 fatty acids was considered independent of Vitamin D treatment. Treatment assignment of Vitamin D or no Vitamin D treatment was considered independent of Omega-3 fatty acid treatment.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3General Physical Health by Treatment Group Measured by the SF-12 General Physical Health Component Scores40.84 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.25
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboGeneral Physical Health by Treatment Group Measured by the SF-12 General Physical Health Component Scores40.12 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.4
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3General Physical Health by Treatment Group Measured by the SF-12 General Physical Health Component Scores40.83 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.85
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboGeneral Physical Health by Treatment Group Measured by the SF-12 General Physical Health Component Scores40.29 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.86
Secondary

Pain Interference by Treatment Group Measured by the Brief Pain Inventory

The degree to which pain interferes with important life function will be determined by the Brief Pain Inventory. This is a validated, self-reported scale that measures the severity of pain based on the average pain experienced and assesses impact of pain across 7 domains of life function (e.g., enjoyment of life, relationships, normal work). The total severity scores range from 0 (no interference) to 70 (maximum interference). Higher scores reflect greater pain interference.

Time frame: 6 weeks following burn injury

Population: The population included were participants who responded to the graft site pain severity question at the 6-week follow-up surveys. Treatment assignment of Omega-3 fatty acids or no Omega-3 fatty acids was considered independent of Vitamin D treatment. Treatment assignment of Vitamin D or no Vitamin D treatment was considered independent of Omega-3 fatty acid treatment.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3Pain Interference by Treatment Group Measured by the Brief Pain Inventory11.60 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.76
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboPain Interference by Treatment Group Measured by the Brief Pain Inventory13.71 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 20.3
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3Pain Interference by Treatment Group Measured by the Brief Pain Inventory5.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.85
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboPain Interference by Treatment Group Measured by the Brief Pain Inventory18.67 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 19.03
Secondary

Sex Differences in Treatment Response Based on Pain Scores

Examines existence of gender-based treatment response differences in pain severity measured by a 0-10 numeric rating scale where 0 is no pain and 10 is the most severe pain. Higher scores reflect greater pain (poor outcome).

Time frame: 6 weeks following burn injury

Population: The population included were participants who responded to the graft site pain severity question at the 6-week follow-up surveys. Treatment assignment of Omega-3 fatty acids or no Omega-3 fatty acids was considered independent of Vitamin D treatment. Treatment assignment of Vitamin D or no Vitamin D treatment was considered independent of Omega-3 fatty acid treatment.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3Sex Differences in Treatment Response Based on Pain ScoresMale1.43 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.81
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) + Vitamin D3Sex Differences in Treatment Response Based on Pain ScoresFemale2.00 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboSex Differences in Treatment Response Based on Pain ScoresFemale1.00 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.42
n-3 PUFAs (O3FA) + Vitamin D3 PlaceboSex Differences in Treatment Response Based on Pain ScoresMale1.80 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.49
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3Sex Differences in Treatment Response Based on Pain ScoresMale0.33 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.81
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3Sex Differences in Treatment Response Based on Pain ScoresFemale2 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboSex Differences in Treatment Response Based on Pain ScoresMale2.83 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.01
n-3 PUFA (O3FA) Placebo + Vitamin D3 PlaceboSex Differences in Treatment Response Based on Pain ScoresFemale1.33 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.52

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026