Using low-dose ketamine to relieve pain during burn wound care
Official title: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Evaluation of Low-Dose Ketamine Infusion During Burn Wound Care Procedures to Improve Pain Intensity and Reduce Opioid Consumption
Run by University of Tennessee · NCT06506565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if low-dose ketamine can help relieve pain better than standard opioid treatments during wound care for people with burn injuries.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Tennessee Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Memphis, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 8, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2025 |
| Study ends | December 2025 |
| Registry record updated | December 13, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06506565 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults admitted to the burn service with thermal injuries who can consent and report their pain levels.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are under 18, pregnant, incarcerated, or have contraindications to ketamine will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of low-dose ketamine infusions during wound care for patients with burn injuries. The aim is to assess whether ketamine can provide better pain relief compared to the current standard of care, which primarily relies on opioids like fentanyl and midazolam. By potentially reducing opioid use and minimizing adverse effects, this approach seeks to improve patient comfort during painful procedures. Participants will receive ketamine alongside saline during their treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management for burn patients while reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with ketamine for pain management, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Admitted to burn service with thermal injury Exclusion Criteria: * unable/unwilling to consent within 72 hours * unable to report NRS * known contraindication to ketamine * \< than 18 years of age * pregnant * incarcerated * TBSA over 50 %
Where it's running
-
Regional One Health
Memphis, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: David M Hill, Pharm.D.
- Email: dhill19@uthsc.edu
- Phone: 1-901-545-7100
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.