Using Indomethacin to Treat Acute Pancreatitis

Rectal Indomethacin as Early Treatment for Acute Pancreatitis (INDOMAP Trial): Study Protocol for a Multi-center, Double-blinded, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Peking Union Medical College Hospital · NCT03547232

This study is testing if giving indomethacin through the rectum can help people with acute pancreatitis have fewer complications and live longer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1504 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorPeking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other
Locations17 sites (Beijing, Beijing Municipality and 16 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03547232 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of rectal indomethacin as an early treatment for acute pancreatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. Patients aged 18-80 diagnosed with acute pancreatitis will be randomly assigned to receive either indomethacin or a placebo. The study aims to assess the impact of indomethacin on reducing complications and mortality rates associated with acute pancreatitis. The trial seeks to fill the gap in high-quality evidence regarding the use of NSAIDs in treating this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 who have been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis based on specific clinical criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with renal dysfunction, active peptic ulcer disease, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce complications and mortality rates in patients with acute pancreatitis.

How similar studies have performed: While some preliminary studies have shown inconsistent results, the use of NSAIDs like indomethacin in treating acute pancreatitis remains largely untested in high-quality randomized controlled trials.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients ages 18-80 years with a diagnosis of AP based on at least 2 of the following criteria:
* Abdominal pain characteristic of AP
* Serum amylase and/or lipase ≥ 3 times the upper limit of normal
* Characteristic findings of AP on abdominal CT scan will be screened for study enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Onset time \>24 hours
* Presence of renal dysfunction (serum creatinine \> 1.5 \*normal upper limit)
* Severe liver dysfunction
* Active peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding
* Pregnancy or breast-feeding
* Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
* New-onset, exacerbation or uncontrolled hypertension
* Presence of serious cardiovascular events, including severe heart failure, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke
* Mental disability
* Malignancy-associated acute pancreatitis
* Post-ERCP pancreatitis
* Informed consent not signed

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality and 16 other locations

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 Acute PancreatitisComplicationMortality RateOrgan Failure, MultipleAcute pancreatitisIndomethacinPrognosisOrgan dysfunction
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.