Comparing dexmedetomidine and nalbuphine for preventing agitation after cleft palate surgery

Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD): A New Modality to Assess Postoperative Agitation After a Single Bolus of Dexmedetomidine Versus Nalbuphine in Children With Cleft Palate Repair

Phase 3 Interventional Assiut University · NCT04928391

This study tests whether a medication called dexmedetomidine works better than nalbuphine to help prevent agitation in young children after cleft palate surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 7 Years
SexAll
SponsorAssiut University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Assiut, Assuit and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04928391 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a single intravenous dose of dexmedetomidine compared to nalbuphine in preventing postoperative agitation in children undergoing cleft palate repair. A total of 90 children aged 1-7 years will be randomly assigned to receive either dexmedetomidine, nalbuphine, or a saline placebo at the end of their surgery. The study aims to determine which medication is more effective in managing agitation following anesthesia. Informed consent will be obtained from the guardians of the participants prior to enrollment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 1-7 years undergoing elective cleft palate repair with ASA physical status I-II.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, suspected meningitis, or developmental delays may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of postoperative agitation in children, enhancing recovery and comfort after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying success with similar approaches, but this specific comparison of dexmedetomidine and nalbuphine in this context is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children (age 1-7 years) of American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status (ASA) I-II
* Elective cleft palate repair ± cleft lip surgery under general anesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt
* Suspected meningitis
* Congenital hydrocephalus
* Clinical signs of suspected increased intracranial pressure
* On treatment for seizures or metabolic diseases
* Children with developmental delay
* Hypersensitivity to dexmedetomidine or nalbuphine

Where this trial is running

Assiut, Assuit and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cleft Palate
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.