Using ephedrine to speed up rocuronium effects in elderly patients
A Blinded Randomized Study of Ephedrine 0.15 Mg/kg for Reducing Onset Time of Rocuronium 0.6 Mg/kg in Elderly Patients (≥ 80 Years)
This study is testing if giving ephedrine can help older patients get the effects of a muscle relaxant called rocuronium faster during surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 80 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rigshospitalet, Denmark Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Copenhagen and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06681662 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effect of ephedrine on the onset time of rocuronium in patients aged 80 and older undergoing elective surgeries requiring general anesthesia. The hypothesis is that administering ephedrine at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg will result in a shorter onset time for rocuronium compared to a placebo. Given the increased risk of complications in elderly patients, this research seeks to improve anesthesia management by potentially reducing the time to secure the airway. The study will measure the onset time of neuromuscular blockade objectively in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients aged 80 and older scheduled for elective surgeries under general anesthesia.
Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to rocuronium or ephedrine, or those with neuromuscular diseases, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to safer and more efficient anesthesia practices for elderly patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that ephedrine can reduce the onset time of rocuronium in younger adults, suggesting potential applicability in the elderly, though this specific approach is less tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 80 * Scheduled for elective operations under general anesthesia with intubation * American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA) I to III * Informed consent * Read and understand Danish Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergy to rocuronium or ephedrine * Neuromuscular disease that may interfere with neuromuscular data * Indication for rapid sequence induction * Daily use of beta-blocking agents * Known cardiac arrythmia (atrial fibrillation, supraventricular or ventricular)
Where this trial is running
Copenhagen and 1 other locations
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Respiratory Support, Rigshospitalet Glostrup — Copenhagen, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Department of Anesthesia, Centre of Head and Orthopedics, 6013 Rigshospitalet — Copenhagen, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Matias Vested, MD, PhD
- Email: matias.vested@regionh.dk
- Phone: +45 35 45 75 47
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.