Comparing spinal anesthesia without opioids to general anesthesia in infants
Official title: Analgesic-Behavioral and Neurophysiological Correlates of Opioid-Sparing Spinal Anesthesia Compared to General Anesthesia in Human Infants
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10818500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using a special type of spinal anesthesia instead of regular general anesthesia can help babies avoid opioids during surgery, with the hope of keeping them safer and supporting their healthy development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,696 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DA057499-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10818500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants undergoing surgical procedures requiring anesthesia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infants or those who do not require anesthesia for surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of opioid-sparing spinal anesthesia compared to traditional general anesthesia in infants. It aims to understand how early exposure to opioids can affect pain sensitivity and long-term development. By using advanced techniques like electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, the study will analyze brain activity during anesthesia to uncover potential neurological impacts. The goal is to provide safer anesthesia options that minimize opioid use and its associated risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer anesthesia practices for infants, reducing the risk of long-term negative effects associated with opioid exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using opioid-sparing techniques in pediatric anesthesia, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chao, Jerry Y — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Chao, Jerry Y
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.