Effects of sevoflurane on memory and pain processing
Sevoflurane's Effect on Neurocognition Study
This study tests how low doses of sevoflurane, a type of anesthetic, affect memory and how we process pain in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06044740 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how low doses of sevoflurane, an inhalational anesthetic, affect cognitive functions related to pain processing and memory in healthy adults. Participants will undergo functional MRI scans while performing tasks related to pain and memory, both with and without the influence of sevoflurane. The study aims to elucidate the neural mechanisms involved in these processes, providing insights into the drug's effects on the brain during acute pain stimulation. The trial will involve two visits and does not require long-term follow-up.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-59 who are native English speakers and have normal hearing and memory.
Not a fit: Patients with significant chronic diseases, severe memory impairment, or those taking pain medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of how anesthetics like sevoflurane influence cognitive functions, potentially improving pain management strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on anesthetics and cognition, this specific approach using sevoflurane and functional MRI in the context of pain processing is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults, age 18-59, who are native English speakers with at least a high school education * have normal hearing and memory * be of normal body-weight * be generally healthy (free from significant chronic disease) * have none of the specific exclusion criteria * have a valid email address and valid phone number throughout the study * anticipate ability to participate in all visits required for the phase of the study in which they are enrolled Exclusion Criteria: * being pregnant or attempting to conceive * having a body mass index (BMI) \> 35 * having significant memory impairment or hearing loss * having sleep apnea * having chronic pain or frequently taking pain medication (including tramadol) * having any severe or poorly-controlled medical problem (hypertension, diabetes) * having neurologic or psychiatric disease, including anxiety, and depression * having significant cardiac valvular disease or cardiomyopathy * having a history of abnormal heartbeats (cardiac conduction abnormality or arrhythmia) * having a history of seizures or convulsions * having a history of liver disease * having a history of asthma or other significant pulmonary disease * having a history of malignant hyperthermia, muscular dystrophy, central core disease, or hyperkalemia * being claustrophobic * have metal implants or non-removable metal piercings * having a history of adverse reaction to anesthetics * daily alcohol or heavy alcohol use; history of alcohol abuse * current daily smoker * regular or recent marijuana use (including prescribed/medical marijuana) * illicit drug use * regularly taking: antiepileptics, antidepressants, anti-psychotics, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medication, stimulants, or sleep-aids * current use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and some other specific drugs phenytoin, carbamazepine, and rifampin * history of QT prolongation * hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to ondansetron (Zofran)
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Keith M Vogt, MD, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Keith M Vogt, MD, PhD
- Email: kev18@pitt.edu
- Phone: 4126473147
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.