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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 994 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 11 sites (San Diego, California and 10 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 27, 2023 |
| Main results expected | July 2028 |
| Study ends | July 2029 |
| Registry record updated | March 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05437575 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
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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
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.