Could hidden nerve damage explain pain in kids with developmental delays?

NCT ID NCT05645874

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed study looked at whether children with neurodevelopmental disorders (like mitochondrial disease, cerebral palsy, or developmental delay) have fewer small nerve fibers in their skin, which could cause pain. Researchers took small skin biopsies from 203 children—some healthy and some with developmental disorders—and counted the nerve fibers. The goal was to establish normal reference values for children and see if nerve damage is an overlooked source of pain in this group.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this could establish normal nerve density values for children and reveal whether small fiber neuropathy is a common, treatable cause of pain in kids with neurodevelopmental disorders.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It only measures nerve density and does not test any therapy, so it cannot directly improve symptoms.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cerebral palsy developmental disability inborn mitochondrial metabolism disorder mitochondrial disease neurodevelopmental disorder primary erythermalgia Small Fiber Neuropathy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University Hospital Düsseldord, Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology

    Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany