Clinical trial Recruiting at 10 sites Phase 3 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing ketamine and fentanyl for pain management in trauma patients

Official title: Prehospital Analgesia INtervention Trial (PAIN)

Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT05437575 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether ketamine or fentanyl works better for managing pain in trauma patients before they reach the hospital.

More Traumatic Brain Injury trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment994 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh
Academic / other
Locations11 sites (San Diego, California and 10 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 27, 2023
Main results expectedJuly 2028
Study endsJuly 2029
Registry record updatedMarch 9, 2026
Trial IDNCT05437575 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include trauma patients with compensated shock who require intravenous pain medication.

Probably not a fit

Patients without IV access, those under 18 years old, or individuals with contraindications to the medications will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The Prehospital Analgesia INtervention trial (PAIN) is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of ketamine hydrochloride versus fentanyl citrate for pain management in prehospital trauma patients experiencing compensated shock. The study will enroll approximately 994 patients over three years at select LITES Network sites. Participants will receive either ketamine or fentanyl before being transported to a trauma center, with outcomes assessed based on patient-centered measures. This trial aims to improve pain management protocols in emergency settings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance pain management strategies for trauma patients, leading to better patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored similar analgesic approaches, but this specific comparison of ketamine and fentanyl in prehospital settings is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Transport after injury to a participating PAIN Trauma center
* 2\. Patient with compensated shock as defined by Shock Index (SI) ≥0.9 or Heart Rate (HR) ≥115.
* Intravenous pain medication indicated (CPOT≥2, NRS≥5) prior to arrival at the trauma center

Exclusion Criteria:

* No IV access
* Age \<18 years
* Females \<50 years of age
* SBP\>180 mmHg at time of enrollment
* Advanced airway management prior to first dose administration
* Known allergy to fentanyl citrate or ketamine hydrochloride
* Known prisoner
* Objection to study voiced by subject or family member at scene
* Pain treatment contraindicated by local protocol
* Wearing a "NO PAIN STUDY" bracelet

Where it's running

  • University of California, San Diego
    San Diego, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
    San Francisco, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Cooper University Health Care
    Camden, New Jersey, United States
    Recruiting
  • Atrium Health and Carolinas Medical Center
    Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Cincinnati
    Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
    Recruiting
  • Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Allegheny General Hospital
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
Show 5 more locations
  • University of Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital
    Sayre, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Utah
    Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
    Recruiting
  • The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
    Burlington, Vermont, United States
    Recruiting
  • Medical College of Wisconsin
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
    Suspended

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Jason Sperry, MD — University of Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Jason Sperry, MD
  • Email: sperryjl@upmc.edu
  • Phone: 412-802-8270

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.