Does peripheral neuroinflammation predict chronicity following whiplash injury? Protocol for a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION: Whiplash-associated disorder grade 2 (WAD2) is characterised by musculoskeletal pain/tenderness but no apparent nerve injury. However, studies have found clinical features indicative of neuropathy and neuropathic pain. These studies may indicate peripheral nerve inflammation, since preclinical neuritis models found mechanical sensitivity in inflamed, intact nociceptors. The primary aim of this study is to establish the contribution of peripheral neuroinflammation to WAD2 and its role in prognosis. Participants will be invited to participate in a sub-study investigating the contribution of cutaneous small fibre pathology to WAD2. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: 115 participants within 1 month following whiplash injury and 34 healthy control participants will be recruited and complete validated questionnaires for pain, function and psychological factors. Data collection will take place at the Universities of Sussex and Oxford, UK. Clinical examination, quantitative sensory testing and blood samples will be undertaken. MRI scans using T2-weighted and diffusion tensor images of the brachial plexus and wrist will determine nerve inflammation and nerve structural changes. Skin biopsies from a substudy will determine structural integrity of dermal and intraepidermal nerve fibres. At 6 months, we will evaluate recovery using Neck Disability Index and a self-rated global recovery question and repeat the outcome measures. Regression analysis will identify differences in MRI parameters, clinical tests and skin biopsies between participants with WAD2 and age/gender-matched controls. Linear and logistic regression analyses will assess if nerve inflammation (MRI parameters) predicts poor outcome. Mixed effects modelling will compare MRI and clinical measures between recovered and non-recovered participants over time. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was received from London-Brighton and Sussex Research Ethics Committee (20/PR/0625) and South Central—Oxford C Ethics Committee (18/SC/0263). Written informed consent will be obtained from participants prior to participation in the study. Results will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at national/international conferences and social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04940923.