Skip to content

Oxytocin for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Oxytocin Treatment for Chronic Pain in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Status
Terminated
Phases
Phase 1Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05405257
Acronym
EDS-OXY
Enrollment
2
Registered
2022-06-06
Start date
2022-05-13
Completion date
2025-03-11
Last updated
2025-08-28

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

Conditions

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Pain Assessment

Keywords

EDS, Oxytocin, Pain, Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Brief summary

The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate effect of IV oxytocin on chronic pain in patients with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome.

Detailed description

This will be a single-site study to evaluate the effect of IV oxytocin on chronic pain in female adult patients with hypermobile EDS. Oxytocin secretion in the body is dynamic and can be affected by multiple factors including the menstrual period. In order to have minimum variation between tested individuals we conduct this study in females at the same stage of their menstrual cycles. Hypermobile EDS is more prevalent in females and the symptoms are usually more severe in females and more females come to medical attention. We are not aware of any difference in the risk from using oxytocin in females vs males. All participating individuals are affected with hypermobile-EDS (hEDS) with chronic moderate to severe pain. Study will include two periods of treatment - one with placebo and one with oxytocin and a one month period will be held in between the two treatments. Participants will be blinded to the order of treatment. Each period of treatment will start 7-10 days after the beginning of the menstrual cycle and will include 6 days of daily subjective pain evaluation using pain-evaluation questionnaire ('preinfusion evaluation') followed by three consecutive daily infusions (placebo or oxytocin). Response to treatment will be evaluated by questionnaire during 6 days after each three infusion days (placebo or oxytocin) . Additional questionnaires for evaluation of anxiety and depression will be used as well. Patients will be asked to wear ACTIHEART device (measures heart rate, heart rate variation, and activity levels) 3 days prior to infusion, during the 3 days of infusion, and in the 3 days after the last infusion day. For each infusion period, participants will arrive to the study site for three daily consecutive visits, each will last for 3-4 hours. Response variables will be collected prior, during and after each infusion. Patients will fill out pain evaluation questionnaires pre and post infusion and some questionnaires during the days of infusion. Blood pressure and heart rate measurements will be taken prior, during and after the infusion. Blood samples for measurements of oxytocin levels and blood samples for future analysis will be collected in some of the infusion days (before and after the infusion).

Interventions

OTHERPlacebo

IV, 200 ml 0.9%NaCl over 40 minutes. Total of three infusions in three consecutive days (one per day).

DRUGOxytocin

IV 1IU Oxytocin in 200 ml 0.9%NaCl over 40 minutes. Total of three infusions in three consecutive days (one per day).

Sponsors

Baylor College of Medicine
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Masking description

Participant will be blinded to the sequence of treatment (which was fixed). Infusion bags containing either the placebo and drug will not be labeled or known to the participant.

Intervention model description

This will be a single-blind study. This study will include two treatment periods in a fixed order. One for placebo and one for oxytocin. The participants was blinded to the sequence of treatment assignment which is fixed.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 64 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1\) Premenopausal Females, Age \>18 years 2) Clinical diagnosis of hypermobile EDS according to the 2017 criteria for hEDS 3) Menstrual periods (range from 8 to 42 days) 4) Pain level greater that pain score of 4 out of 10 on a Numeric Rating Scale in at least two of the following locations: back, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrist, hand joints, hips, knees, ankles, on most days over the 3 months preceding enrollment. 5) On a stable regimen for pain control without any expected increase in dose of pain medications during the study period. 6) All participants should have a negative urine pregnancy test and agree to use an acceptable method of contraception (abstinence or barrier methods).

Exclusion criteria

1\) Known allergy to OXT or preservatives in the medication 2) Pregnancy 3) Lactation 4) A confirmed clinical diagnosis of autoimmune disorders that lead to joint inflammation and joint pain such as SLE, RA, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, scleroderma, and enteropathic arthritis 5) History of known cardiac arrhythmias (except for asymptomatic sinus tachycardia and sinus bradycardia) 6) Heart rate persistently greater than 110/min or less than 50 per minute 7) QTC of \> 450 ms from EKG (electrocardiogram) test 8) Taking oral or other hormonal contraceptives 9) Individuals with a clinical condition which, in the view of the investigator compromises safety 10) Participating in another interventional study.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Participant's Subjective Reported Chronic PainPain was self reported and documented on days 1, 3, and 5 of the 6 days period prior or after the treatment with oxytocin or with placebo. An average of the three data points pre or post treatment were calculated.Study evaluated maximum pain level by using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Scale range from minimum value of 1 to maximum value of 10. Higher score indicated more pain (worse outcome).
Change Between Pre and Post Treatment Pain Scores Using the McGill Pain Questionnaire.Once prior to treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 1 of pre-infusion period / 6 days prior to the infusion) and once after treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 1 of post-infusion period / 1 day after the infusion)Change in the individual's subjective reported pain following treatment with placebo compared to the change in reported pain following treatment with oxytocin as assessed by McGill Pain Questionnaire. The McGill questionnaire is a self-report measure that explores both the quality and intensity of pain. Minimum score: is 0 (no pain) and maximum score is 78 (severe pain). Higher score indicates higher level of pain (worse outcome)
Change in Participant's Subjective Reported PainPain was self reported and documented on days 1, 3, and 5 of the 6 days period prior or after the treatment with oxytocin or with placebo. An average of the three data points pre or post treatment were calculated.Study evaluated maximum pain level by using the Numerical pain rating scale. Scale range from minimum value of 1 to maximum value of 10. Higher score indicated more pain (worse outcome).

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.Once prior to treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of pre-infusion period / 1 day prior to the infusion) and once after treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of post-infusion period / 6 days after the infusion)Change in the individual's anxiety following treatment with placebo compared to the change in reported anxiety following treatment with oxytocin as assessed by Hospital anxiety and depression scale The Hospital anxiety and depression scale is a self-report measure to evaluate anxiety and depression. Minimum score is 0 and maximum score is 21. Higher score indicates higher level of anxiety (worse outcome) 0-7: Normal or no anxiety/depression. 8-10: Mild anxiety/depression. 11-14: Moderate anxiety/depression. 15-21: Severe anxiety/depression.
Change Between Pre and Post Treatment Depression Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.Once prior to treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of pre-infusion period / 1 day prior to the infusion) and once after treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of post-infusion period / 6 days after the infusion)Change in the individual's depression following treatment with placebo compared to the change in reported depression following treatment with oxytocin as assessed by Hospital anxiety and depression scale The Hospital anxiety and depression scale is a self-report measure to evaluate anxiety and depression. Minimum score is 0, maximum score is 21. Higher score indicates higher level of depression (worse outcome) 0-7: Normal or no anxiety/depression. 8-10: Mild anxiety/depression. 11-14: Moderate anxiety/depression. 15-21: Severe anxiety/depression.
Change Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the State Part of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Questionnaire.Once prior to treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of pre-infusion period / 1 day prior to the infusion) and once after treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of post-infusion period / 6 days after the infusion)Change in the individual's anxiety following treatment with placebo compared to the change in reported anxiety following treatment with oxytocin as assessed by the state part of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is a measure of trait and state anxiety. Minimum score is 20 to maximum score is 80. Higher score indicates higher level of anxiety (worse outcome)

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Pre-assignment details

This is a single blinded study with a fixed sequence. The same subject received the placebo and after a washout of at least 30 days later, the treatment with oxytocin.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Placebo First Then Oxytocin Sequence
sequence of Placebo-washout-Oxytocin. Placebo infusion: IV 0.9% NaCl, rate is 200ml over 40 minutes. Total of three infusions in three consecutive days (one per day) Washout of 30 days Treatment infusion: IV 1IU Oxytocin in 200ml of 0.9% NaCl, rate is 200ml over 40 minutes. Total of three infusions in three consecutive days (one per day)
1
Total1

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject1

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicPlacebo First Then Oxytocin Sequence
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
1 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
1 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
1 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 2
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 2
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 2

Outcome results

Primary

Change Between Pre and Post Treatment Pain Scores Using the McGill Pain Questionnaire.

Change in the individual's subjective reported pain following treatment with placebo compared to the change in reported pain following treatment with oxytocin as assessed by McGill Pain Questionnaire. The McGill questionnaire is a self-report measure that explores both the quality and intensity of pain. Minimum score: is 0 (no pain) and maximum score is 78 (severe pain). Higher score indicates higher level of pain (worse outcome)

Time frame: Once prior to treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 1 of pre-infusion period / 6 days prior to the infusion) and once after treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 1 of post-infusion period / 1 day after the infusion)

Population: One patient who completed the entire sequence

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Pain Scores Using the McGill Pain Questionnaire.Pain score pre-OXT (value documented on day 1 of pre-infusion period)31 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Pain Scores Using the McGill Pain Questionnaire.Pain score pre-placebo (value documented on day 1 of pre-infusion period)27 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Pain Scores Using the McGill Pain Questionnaire.Pain score post placebo (value documented on day 1 of post-infusion period)13 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Pain Scores Using the McGill Pain Questionnaire.Pain score post OXT (value documented on day 1 of post-infusion period)44 score on a scale
Primary

Change in Participant's Subjective Reported Chronic Pain

Study evaluated maximum pain level by using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Scale range from minimum value of 1 to maximum value of 10. Higher score indicated more pain (worse outcome).

Time frame: Pain was self reported and documented on days 1, 3, and 5 of the 6 days period prior or after the treatment with oxytocin or with placebo. An average of the three data points pre or post treatment were calculated.

Population: Only one patient completed the sequence

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange in Participant's Subjective Reported Chronic PainMean pain levels pre-placebo (mean of values documented on days 1,3,5 of pre treatment period)5.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.15
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange in Participant's Subjective Reported Chronic PainMean pain levels post placebo (mean of values documented on days 1,3,5 of post treatment period)2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange in Participant's Subjective Reported Chronic PainMean pain levels pre-OXT (mean of values documented on days 1,3,5 of pre treatment period)4.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.58
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange in Participant's Subjective Reported Chronic PainMean pain levels post OXT (mean of values documented on days 1,3,5 of post treatment period)6.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.5
Primary

Change in Participant's Subjective Reported Pain

Study evaluated maximum pain level by using the Numerical pain rating scale. Scale range from minimum value of 1 to maximum value of 10. Higher score indicated more pain (worse outcome).

Time frame: Pain was self reported and documented on days 1, 3, and 5 of the 6 days period prior or after the treatment with oxytocin or with placebo. An average of the three data points pre or post treatment were calculated.

Population: Only one patient completed the sequence

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange in Participant's Subjective Reported PainMean pain levels pre-placebo (mean of values documented on days 1,3,5 of pre treatment period)3.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.5
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange in Participant's Subjective Reported PainMean pain levels post placebo (mean of values documented on days 1,3,5 of post treatment period)1.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.5
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange in Participant's Subjective Reported PainMean pain levels pre-OXT (mean of values documented on days 1,3,5 of pre treatment period)2.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.2
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange in Participant's Subjective Reported PainMean pain levels post OXT (mean of values documented on days 1,3,5 of post treatment period)1.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.15
Secondary

Change Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.

Change in the individual's anxiety following treatment with placebo compared to the change in reported anxiety following treatment with oxytocin as assessed by Hospital anxiety and depression scale The Hospital anxiety and depression scale is a self-report measure to evaluate anxiety and depression. Minimum score is 0 and maximum score is 21. Higher score indicates higher level of anxiety (worse outcome) 0-7: Normal or no anxiety/depression. 8-10: Mild anxiety/depression. 11-14: Moderate anxiety/depression. 15-21: Severe anxiety/depression.

Time frame: Once prior to treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of pre-infusion period / 1 day prior to the infusion) and once after treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of post-infusion period / 6 days after the infusion)

Population: One patient who completed the entire sequence

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.Anxiety score pre-placebo (value documented on day 6 of pre-infusion period)10 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.Anxiety score post placebo (value documented on day 6 of post-infusion period)13 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.Anxiety score pre-OXT (value documented on day 6 of pre-infusion period)12 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.Anxiety score post OXT (value documented on day 6 of post-infusion period)10 score on a scale
Secondary

Change Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the State Part of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Questionnaire.

Change in the individual's anxiety following treatment with placebo compared to the change in reported anxiety following treatment with oxytocin as assessed by the state part of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is a measure of trait and state anxiety. Minimum score is 20 to maximum score is 80. Higher score indicates higher level of anxiety (worse outcome)

Time frame: Once prior to treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of pre-infusion period / 1 day prior to the infusion) and once after treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of post-infusion period / 6 days after the infusion)

Population: One patient who completed the entire sequence

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the State Part of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Questionnaire.Anxiety score post OXT (value documented on day 6 of post-infusion period)50 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the State Part of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Questionnaire.Anxiety score pre-placebo (value documented on day 6 of pre-infusion period)59 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the State Part of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Questionnaire.Anxiety score post placebo (value documented on day 6 of post-infusion period)44 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Anxiety Scores Using the State Part of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Questionnaire.Anxiety score pre-OXT (value documented on day 6 of pre-infusion period)54 score on a scale
Secondary

Change Between Pre and Post Treatment Depression Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.

Change in the individual's depression following treatment with placebo compared to the change in reported depression following treatment with oxytocin as assessed by Hospital anxiety and depression scale The Hospital anxiety and depression scale is a self-report measure to evaluate anxiety and depression. Minimum score is 0, maximum score is 21. Higher score indicates higher level of depression (worse outcome) 0-7: Normal or no anxiety/depression. 8-10: Mild anxiety/depression. 11-14: Moderate anxiety/depression. 15-21: Severe anxiety/depression.

Time frame: Once prior to treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of pre-infusion period / 1 day prior to the infusion) and once after treatment with placebo OR oxytocin (day 6 of post-infusion period / 6 days after the infusion)

Population: One patient who completed the entire sequence

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Depression Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.depression score pre-placebo (value documented on day 6 of pre-infusion period)0 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Depression Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.depression score post placebo (value documented on day 6 of post-infusion period)4 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Depression Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.depression score pre-OXT (value documented on day 6 of pre-infusion period)2 score on a scale
Placebo-Oxytocine SequenceChange Between Pre and Post Treatment Depression Scores Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire.depression score post OXT (value documented on day 6 of post-infusion period)2 score on a scale

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