Using EMG monitoring to assess anesthesia in young children during surgery

Assessment of Regional Anesthetic Blockade Using Non-Invasive Surface Electromyogram (EMG)

Not applicable Interventional Nationwide Children's Hospital · NCT06287151

This study is testing if a special monitoring technique can help doctors better understand how anesthesia works in young children during surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment124 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 5 Years
SexAll
SponsorNationwide Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06287151 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of non-invasive EMG monitoring to objectively characterize neuraxial anesthesia in pediatric patients undergoing various surgical procedures. It aims to measure the effects of adjunctive intrathecal clonidine on spinal and caudal blockade and to quantify the impact of sevoflurane on muscle tone through EMG changes. The study will generate pilot data to inform future research on these topics, focusing on children aged 5 years or younger. The hypothesis is that EMG can effectively measure aspects of neuraxial blockade such as onset, resolution, density, and dermatomal level.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 5 years or younger undergoing specific surgical procedures such as circumcision, hernia repair, or other urological surgeries.

Not a fit: Patients with systemic infections, spine or CNS abnormalities, or those with medication allergies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the safety and effectiveness of anesthesia management in pediatric surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of EMG monitoring in anesthesia is a growing field, this specific approach in pediatric patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Group 1 (GA + penile block): age 5 years or below getting: circumcision or circumcision revision
* Group 2-5 (SA or GA + CA): age 5 years or below getting: penile or scrotal surgery, inguinal hernia repair, Achilles tendon lengthening, other applicable urological procedures
* Group 6 (GA only): age 5 years or below getting: operative dentistry, urological or ENT procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

* parent refusal
* systemic infection
* spine or CNS abnormalities
* medication allergy
* adhesive allergy

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

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 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.