Effects of Carbon Dioxide Levels on Anesthesia in Children
Effects of End Tidal Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Depth of Anesthesia in Children Undergoing Total Intravenous Anesthesia
This study is testing if changing the levels of carbon dioxide can help make anesthesia work better for children aged 3 to 11 during simple procedures.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06303518 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of varying levels of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) on the depth of anesthesia in children aged 3 to 11 years undergoing non-invasive or minimally stimulating elective procedures. The research aims to determine whether higher levels of CO2 can enhance sedation, reduce pain signals, and improve recovery outcomes during general anesthesia. Participants will be monitored under controlled ventilation with an endotracheal tube while their ETCO2 levels are adjusted to high normal, normal, and low normal ranges. The findings could provide insights into optimizing anesthesia practices for pediatric patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 11 years undergoing non-invasive or minimally stimulating elective procedures with ASA physical status I or II.
Not a fit: Patients requiring inhalational induction of anesthesia or those with contraindications for BIS electrode placement may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved anesthesia management in children, potentially reducing recovery times and postoperative complications.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically in children, previous studies in adults have shown potential benefits of manipulating CO2 levels during anesthesia, suggesting this approach may be promising.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 3 - 11 years undergoing non- or minimally-stimulating elective procedures, defined as anesthesia without skin incision or painful manipulation (e.g., non-invasive imaging, auditory brainstem response testing), middle ear surgery, surgery with effective local or regional anesthesia before surgical incision (e.g dental procedures with local anesthetic infiltration, urology with regional block). * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II * TIVA technique appropriate throughout induction and maintenance of anesthesia * Controlled ventilation via endotracheal tube * Anticipated surgical time ≥ 90 minutes: to allow time for anesthetic induction and subsequent testing and washout periods at all three EtCO2 levels. Exclusion Criteria: * Need for inhalational induction of anesthesia * Sedative premedication * Use of ketamine intraoperatively * Unable to place BIS electrodes due to surgical site or other contraindications (e.g., MRI) * Allergy to study drugs (propofol, remifentanil, lidocaine) * Depression of conscious level for any reason * BMI \<5th or \>95th centile for age * History of obstructive or central sleep apnea * Known or suspected raised intracranial pressure * Recent or historical traumatic brain injury
Where this trial is running
Vancouver, British Columbia
- BC Children's Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christopher A Chin, MBBS, FRCA, FRCP, MA — University of British Columbia
- Study coordinator: Victoria Buswell
- Email: victoria.buswell@cw.bc.ca
- Phone: 604-875-1989
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.