Using a pain management technique to reduce opioid use in children with cerebral palsy undergoing surgery
Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block as an Opioid Sparing Technique for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy in Pediatric Patients With Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing a pain management technique to see if it can help children with cerebral palsy use fewer opioids after surgery to improve their recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Tanta University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tanta, El-Gharbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06600061 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) as a method to reduce the need for opioids during and after selective dorsal rhizotomy in pediatric patients with spastic cerebral palsy. The procedure aims to alleviate lower limb spasticity by targeting specific sensory rootlets in the spinal cord. By utilizing ESPB, the study seeks to minimize postoperative pain, which can hinder recovery and rehabilitation. The trial includes children aged 6 to 18 years who meet specific health criteria and excludes those with certain medical conditions or prior surgeries.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 18 years with spastic cerebral palsy who are scheduled for selective dorsal rhizotomy.
Not a fit: Patients with allergies to local anesthetics, severe joint deformities, or those who have had previous orthopedic surgeries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce opioid consumption and improve postoperative recovery for children undergoing surgery for spastic cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of erector spinae plane block is a relatively new technique, preliminary studies suggest it may be effective in managing postoperative pain, indicating potential for success in this application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age from 6 to 18 years. * Both sexes. * American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status II, III. * Patients with spastic cerebral palsy undergoing selective dorsal rhizotomy. Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to local anesthetics. * Severe fixed joint deformity. * Previous orthopedic surgery. * Patient with abnormal liver/kidney function. * Patient with skin damage or infection at the proposed puncture site.
Where this trial is running
Tanta, El-Gharbia
- Tanta University — Tanta, El-Gharbia, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mohammed S Elsharkawy, MD
- Email: mselsharkawy@med.tanta.edu.eg
- Phone: 00201148207870
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.