Pain management approach for trauma patients on mechanical ventilation

Analgesia-First Sedation in Trauma Patients

Not applicable Interventional MemorialCare Health System · NCT05751863

This study tests whether a new pain management approach for trauma patients on breathing machines can help them feel more comfortable and reduce the time they need on the ventilator compared to the usual method.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment170 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorialCare Health System Academic / other
Locations1 site (Long Beach, California)
Trial IDNCT05751863 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an analgesia-first sedation strategy compared to traditional continuous sedation in trauma patients requiring mechanical ventilation. It will assess the impact of these different sedation approaches on the duration of mechanical ventilation and overall patient comfort. The study will involve patients aged 18 and older who are expected to be on mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours and will utilize protocol-directed sedation with daily interruptions. The goal is to determine which method leads to better outcomes in terms of ventilation duration and ICU stay.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are mechanically ventilated for at least 48 hours and are candidates for weaning off ventilation.

Not a fit: Patients who have significant neurological deficits, a history of substance abuse, or those who have received prior sedation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to shorter mechanical ventilation times and improved recovery for trauma patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with protocol-directed sedation approaches in mechanically ventilated patients, indicating potential for this method in trauma cases.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥ 18 years of age
2. Mechanically ventilated with an expected duration of MV ≥ 48h
3. Initiated continuous sedative/analgesic infusions by the ICU team
4. Patient is a candidate for MV weaning

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Admission after resuscitation from cardiac arrest
2. Significant neurological deficit due to a chronic disorder
3. History of alcohol dependence and/or other illicit drug abuse
4. Prior administration of continuous sedative/analgesic from a transferring institution
5. Patient receiving neuromuscular blocking agents
6. Allergy to midazolam, lorazepam, and/or propofol

Where this trial is running

Long Beach, California

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 Mechanical VentilationRespiratory FailureTraumaAnalgesiaSedationIntubation
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.