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Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
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Bidirectional Mendelian randomization study reveals interplay between multisite chronic pain and Post-traumatic
Zheng Chen1, Qiaoyun Yang1, Shuibing Zhang1
1Department of anesthesiology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, 410007, China.
Scientific Reports
|March 3, 2025
Summary
This study found that multisite chronic pain (MCP) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a two-way causal link. Integrated treatments are needed for better outcomes in patients with both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multisite chronic pain (MCP) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occur.
- The causal relationship between MCP and PTSD remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bidirectional causal relationship between MCP and PTSD using Mendelian Randomization (MR).
Main Methods:
- Utilized genome-wide summary statistics for MCP and PTSD.
- Employed Linkage Disequilibrium Score (LDSC) regression for genetic correlation analysis.
- Conducted bidirectional MR analyses (forward and reverse) with inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method, supported by sensitivity analyses.
Main Results:
- Significant genetic correlation (rg = 0.635) found between MCP and PTSD.
- Forward MR indicated MCP increases PTSD risk (OR = 1.103).
- Reverse MR showed PTSD increases MCP sites (β = 0.244).
- Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness, ruling out significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy.
Conclusions:
- Established a bidirectional positive causal relationship between MCP and PTSD.
- Underscores the necessity for integrated treatment and prevention strategies addressing both conditions concurrently.
- Highlights potential for improved patient health outcomes through combined therapeutic approaches.
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