Using dexamethasone to reduce pain after thoracic surgery
Impact of Dexamethasone on the Post Operative Inflammatory Response and on the Occurrence of Post Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome
NA · Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital · NCT02112864
This study is testing if giving dexamethasone before thoracic surgery can help reduce long-term pain after the operation for patients undergoing this type of surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Montreal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT02112864 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of dexamethasone, a potent anti-inflammatory drug, in reducing the incidence of post thoracotomy pain syndrome in patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery. The hypothesis is that administering dexamethasone pre-operatively will mitigate the inflammatory response associated with surgery, thereby decreasing chronic pain levels three months post-operation. The study involves patients receiving thoracic epidural analgesia and compares outcomes with those receiving normal saline as a control.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 undergoing elective thoracic surgery with thoracotomy and thoracic epidural analgesia.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to thoracic epidural analgesia, those refusing participation, or those already on corticosteroids or chronic opioid medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce chronic pain in patients after thoracic surgery, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific use of dexamethasone for this purpose may be novel, there is existing evidence supporting the role of anti-inflammatory treatments in managing post-surgical pain.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * elective thoracic surgery using a thoracotomy incision and thoracic epidural analgesia * ASA I-III * age 18-75 yo Exclusion Criteria: * contra-indication to thoracic epidural analgesia * patient refusal * patients already taking cortisone or dexamethasone * patients on chronic opioid medication
Where this trial is running
Montreal, Quebec
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Veronique Brulotte, MD, Msc — Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital
- Study coordinator: Véronique Brulotte, MD, MSc
- Email: veronique.brulotte@umontreal.ca
- Phone: 514 252-3400
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.
Conditions: Chronic Pain, Dexamethasone, Thoracic Surgery, Cytokines