Personalized pain management for children undergoing spine surgery

Personalized Perioperative Analgesia Platform (PPAP) for Pediatric Spine Fusion Surgery (sIRB)

Not applicable Interventional University of Pittsburgh · NCT05367609

This study is testing a new way to manage pain for children having spine surgery by using their genetic information to customize how much pain medication they get.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Locations5 sites (San Francisco, California and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05367609 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop a personalized perioperative analgesia platform (PPAP) that links genetic factors to opioid metabolism in order to improve pain management for children undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery. The approach involves preoperative genotyping to identify genetic variants that may predispose children to adverse effects from opioids, such as respiratory depression and opioid dependence. By tailoring opioid dosing based on these genetic insights, the study seeks to enhance pain relief and minimize complications associated with opioid use in the postoperative period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 10 to 21 who are undergoing posterior-lateral spinal fusion and require inpatient opioid treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with serious illnesses, severe preoperative pain, or a history of opioid misuse may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to safer and more effective pain management strategies for pediatric patients undergoing major surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using genetic factors to personalize opioid therapy, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children ages 10 to 21
* ASA physical status 1 to 3
* Undergoing Posterior-Lateral Spinal Fusion
* Receives in-patient opioids
* Prescribed opioids at discharge

Exclusion Criteria:

* Serious illness
* Preoperative severe pain
* Preoperative opioid use or misuse

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California and 4 other locations

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 PPAPSpine FusionPediatricSpine Fusion Surgery
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.