Comparing Morphine and Oxycodone for Pain Relief in Children After Surgery
A Comparison of Nausea and Vomiting in Postoperative Paediatric Patients With Patient-controlled Analgesia (PCA): Morphine vs Oxycodone (POPCORN)
This study is testing whether morphine or oxycodone works better for relieving pain in children aged 6 to 18 after surgery and how each medication affects side effects like nausea.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 690 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Melbourne, Victoria) |
| Trial ID | NCT06186141 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The POPCORN trial aims to compare the effectiveness and side effects of morphine versus oxycodone when used as patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain relief in paediatric patients following surgery. Participants aged 6 to 18 will be randomly assigned to receive either morphine or oxycodone during their pre-operative consultation. The study will assess differences in the usage of antiemetics for nausea and vomiting, as well as any variations in side effects and pain relief requirements between the two medication groups. This trial is integrated into routine patient care using the hospital's electronic medical record system, minimizing additional burdens on participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are postoperative patients aged 6 to 18 who are suitable for PCA and have consent from their guardians.
Not a fit: Patients with allergies to morphine or oxycodone, significant intellectual disabilities, or those requiring higher ASA scores will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the safer and more effective pain management option for children post-surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited literature on this specific comparison in the paediatric population, systematic reviews in adults suggest that both medications are effective, indicating potential for meaningful insights in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Postoperative patients who are appropriate for a PCA including those aged 6 and above and up to age 18 years. * Those deemed appropriate for either morphine or oxycodone by their treating anaesthetist. * American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score 1-3 inclusive * Those whose parents or legal guardians have provided informed consent on the patient's behalf. Exclusion Criteria: * Any patients with an allergy, hypersensitivity, or contraindication to morphine or oxycodone. * Patients in the age group with significant intellectual disability or physical incapacity rendering them incapable of using the PCA device * ASA score 4 or above * Inability or unwillingness of parent or legal guardian to provide informed consent for the study.
Where this trial is running
Melbourne, Victoria
- The Royal Children's Hospital — Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sue May Koh — Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Justine Adams
- Email: justine.adams@mcri.edu.au
- Phone: 03 8341 6200
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.