Early Screening of Chronic Post-sternotomy Pain Using the DN4-i Questionnaire (NCT07603271) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Early Screening of Chronic Post-sternotomy Pain Using the DN4-i Questionnaire
France120 participantsStarted 2026-05-03
Plain-language summary
Chronic post-sternotomy pain (CPSP) is a common complication after cardiac surgery, with a reported prevalence between 30% and 50%. Several studies show that a significant proportion of patients experience persistent pain long after cardiac surgery, often with a neuropathic component. Internal mammary artery harvesting is known to cause intercostal nerve injury. Recent data suggest that early neuropathic pain, assessed using the DN4 score, may predict the chronicization of postoperative pain.
This study is a prospective observationnal study to evaluate the association between early neuropathic pain (DN4-i ≥ 3/7 on postoperative day 5) and the occurrence of chronic post-sternotomy pain at 3 months in patients who underwent median sternotomy for coronary artery bypass grafting with internal mammary artery harvesting
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Scheduled cardiac surgery with coronary artery bypass via median sternotomy with internal mammary artery harvesting
* Patients receive an information sheet and a non-opposition form.
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of sternotomy
* Early reoperation \< 30 days
* Chronic treatment with strong opioids or neuropahtic pain medications
* Severe cognitive impairment
* Patients under legal protection or guardianship
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.