Effects of esketamine on children's behavior after tonsil or adenoid surgery

Esketamine for the Prevention of Postoperative Behavioral Changes in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Fujian Provincial Hospital · NCT06579937

This study is testing if giving esketamine to young children during tonsil or adenoid surgery can help reduce behavioral issues after the surgery compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment172 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 7 Years
SexAll
SponsorFujian Provincial Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Fuzhou, Fujian)
Trial IDNCT06579937 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of intravenous esketamine on postoperative behavioral changes in children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. It compares the effects of esketamine against a placebo to determine if it can reduce the incidence of emergence delirium and negative behavioral changes following surgery. Participants aged 3-7 years will receive either esketamine or a placebo during anesthesia induction and will be assessed using a behavior questionnaire post-surgery. The study seeks to provide insights into optimizing anesthesia regimens for pediatric patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3-7 years scheduled for elective tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with developmental delays, psychosis, or significant recent life changes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved postoperative behavioral outcomes for children undergoing surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested potential benefits of esketamine in similar contexts, but this specific application is being explored in a novel way.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* American society of Aneshesiologists physical status I or II;
* Aged 3-7 years;
* Scheduled for elective tonsillectomy and (or) adenoidectomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parents refusing to allow their children to participate;
* Intake of sedative or analgesic medication within 48 hours before surgery;
* Developmental delay;
* Psychosis;
* Body mass index \> 30 kg/m2;
* Allergy to study drugs;
* Major life changes 1 month before the operation, such as the divorce of parents, death of parents, moving to a new home, changing to a new kindergarten, etc.;
* Any other conditions that precluded study inclusion.

Where this trial is running

Fuzhou, Fujian

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 Behavior Problemesketaminepostoperative negative behavioral changepediatricsemergence deliriumtonsillectomyadenoidectomy
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.