Measuring pain management in children and adolescents
Official title: Developing a Method to Objectively Measure Analgesic Interventions: A Pilot Study
Run by Children's National Research Institute · NCT03794362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new ways to measure and manage pain in children and teens aged 7 to 21 who are getting pain relief treatments at a hospital.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's National Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 29, 2018 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03794362 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children and adolescents aged 7 to 21 years who are undergoing analgesic interventions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with eye pathology that affects pupillometry or those actively using opioids may 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
This observational study focuses on assessing pain management in children and adolescents aged 7 to 21 years who are receiving analgesic interventions at the Children's National Medical Center Pain Clinic. It aims to address the unmet need for effective pain assessment and management in nonverbal populations by utilizing objective tools to quantify pain and monitor analgesia effectiveness. The study highlights the importance of personalized treatment approaches, as many patients require a combination of therapies to find the most effective pain relief. By evaluating pain responses, the study seeks to improve clinical practices in pediatric pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for children and adolescents, ensuring they receive appropriate analgesia during medical procedures.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research in pediatric pain management, this specific approach using pupillometry for pain assessment is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. The subject is 7 to 21 years of age 2. The subject is receiving an analgesic intervention in the Children's National Medical Center Pain Clinic 3. The subject is willing and able to provide written informed assent/parental consent to the study participation. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Eye pathology precluding pupillometry 2. Patients who are actively using opioids (history of use acceptable). Rationale: opioids constrict the pupil, and therefore concomitant opioid use would bias our results. 3. Subjects who are or may be pregnant
Where it's running
-
Children's National Health System
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Julia C Finkel, MD — Children's National Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Julia C Finkel, MD
- Email: jfinkel@childrensnational.org
- Phone: 2024764867
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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.