Using ketamine to help suicidal patients in the emergency department
Feasibility and Safety of Single Dose Ketamine for Acutely Suicidal Patients in the Emergency Department
This study is testing if a low dose of ketamine can safely help people in the emergency department who are feeling suicidal by reducing their symptoms and possibly shortening their hospital stay.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Kansas City, Kansas and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06085937 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This phase one trial investigates the safety and feasibility of administering low-dose intravenous ketamine to patients presenting with suicidal ideation in the emergency department. Participants will receive a single dose of 0.2mg/kg of ketamine and will be monitored for two hours for vital signs and symptoms. The study aims to gather preliminary data on the drug's efficacy in reducing depressive and suicidal symptoms, as well as its impact on the length of hospital stay. Surveys will be conducted at various intervals to assess changes in mental health status.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 who are acutely suicidal and require inpatient stabilization.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychosis, current mania, or other specified medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a rapid and effective intervention for patients experiencing acute suicidal ideation.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Acutely Suicidality ("yes" answer to any of items 4 or 5 on C-SSRS "Suicidal Ideation" category)
* Require inpatient stabilization for SI or actions based on clinical observation and interview
* Are accepted for psychiatric stabilization at the University of Kansas Medical Center's Strawberry Hill campus
* Have a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 15
* Age 18-65
Exclusion Criteria:
* Current or past history of psychosis
* Current or recent (past 4 weeks) symptoms of mania/hypomania as defined by Young Mania Rating Scale (YRMS) score of 12 or greater
* History of ketamine use disorder
* History of liver transplant
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Imprisonment or inability to consent
* Positive urine drug screen or serum alcohol level
* Hypertension (SBP \> 160 or DBP \> 100 before administration of ketamine)
* Hypotension (SBP \< 90)
* Presence of acute medical condition requiring admission to medical service
* Allergy, intolerance, or previous adverse reaction to ketamine
* Patient has 8+ lifetime ketamine exposures
* The treating physician determines that the patient is not a good candidate for the study (e.g. medical condition/procedure, medication that would contradindicate ketamine treatment)
Where this trial is running
Kansas City, Kansas and 1 other locations
- University of Kansas Strawberry Hill Campus — Kansas City, Kansas, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- University of Kansas Medical Center Emergency Department — Kansas City, Kansas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lindsay Maguire, MD
- Email: lmaguire@kumc.edu
- Phone: 913-588-3580
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.