Using chocolate scents to help children with anesthesia
Chocolate or Sevoflurane: Use of Parosmia to Facilitate More Cooperative Inhalation Inductions in Children
This study is testing if using chocolate scents can help make kids aged 5-12 feel less anxious and more cooperative when they are getting anesthesia for surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06449157 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores the use of parosmia, a distortion of smell perception, to improve the inhalation induction experience for children undergoing anesthesia. By introducing a more pleasant scent, such as chocolate, during the administration of sevoflurane, the study aims to reduce anxiety and enhance cooperation in pediatric patients. The approach leverages the emotional connection between olfactory senses and memory, potentially leading to a more positive preoperative experience. The study focuses on children aged 5-12 years who are classified as ASA I or II and are coming from home for elective surgery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 5-12 years who are in good health (ASA I or II) and are scheduled for elective surgery.
Not a fit: Patients who are undergoing emergent surgery or have severe health conditions (ASA III, IV, V) may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and improve the overall experience of children undergoing anesthesia.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of olfactory stimuli in anesthesia is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving patient cooperation and reducing anxiety.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages of 5-12 years old * American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status classification system (ASA) I and II * Patients coming from home Exclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing emergent surgery * Patients who have not adequately maintained preoperative nothing per mouth/os (NPO) status * Patients with inability to communicate verbally * Tracheostomy patients * ASA III , IV, V patients
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins Hospital — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pooja O'Neil, MD — Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Pooja O'Neil, MD
- Email: poneil3@jh.edu
- Phone: 4109556412
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.