SUMMARY
The research involvement and interests of Kelsey M. Klaas, M.D., include adolescent autonomic dysfunction and chronic pain and its symptoms. Her research has been descriptive. Other research has focused on response to interventions, including nonpharmacological treatments for management of these conditions.
Her interest is in the post-infectious onset of these conditions, including post-COVID-19. Additional studies focus on illnesses associated with autonomic disorders. This research includes BASCULE syndrome, a recently described dermatologic finding. BASCULE stands for Bier anemic spots, cyanosis and urticaria-like eruption. Dr. Klaas also studies functional neurological disorders that may overlap with these conditions.
Focus areas
- Autonomic dysfunction, symptoms and outcomes in teenagers. Dr. Klaas maintains an active registry of individuals presenting with suggestive symptoms. This registry helps in detailing associated symptoms and functioning at presentation and with longitudinal follow-up. There is a corresponding biobank to facilitate future studies.
- Management of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Dr. Klaas and her colleagues are investigating a potential role for a novel intervention — health and wellness coaching — for people with persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Response to intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) program. Dr. Klaas and her team in the Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center have ongoing projects to assess functional responses to IIPT interventions. They also define characteristics of individuals requiring IIPT intervention. One current study compares functional MRI before and after program completion.
Significance to patient care
Autonomic dysfunction is a relatively common condition in teenagers, with rising numbers associated with the appearance of SARS-CoV-2. Autonomic disorders, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, can be associated with significant weakness, distress and functional impairment. There is ongoing debate about the appropriate diagnosis and symptomatic management of these conditions, for which there is currently no known curative therapy.
Limited evidence suggests that outcomes can be good for people with these conditions, particularly teenagers. One barrier many people experience when seeking care is a lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals about disorders of the autonomic nervous system. An additional focus for Dr. Klaas continues to be in providing education to pediatricians and other medical professionals caring for children and teenagers with these conditions.
Professional highlights
- Medical co-director, Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center, Mayo Clinic, 2023-present.