Using nitrous oxide canisters for pain relief during burn dressing changes

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial of the Effectiveness of Disposable Nitrous Oxide Canisters in Providing Improved Pain Control During Burn Dressing Changes.

Early Phase 1 Interventional University of Manitoba · NCT03695887

This study is testing whether using nitrous oxide canisters can help adults with burns feel less pain during dressing changes compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Manitoba Academic / other
Locations1 site (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Trial IDNCT03695887 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of disposable nitrous oxide canisters in providing pain control for adult burn patients during dressing changes. The study addresses the challenges of using traditional narcotics, which can be risky due to the narrow therapeutic window in burn patients. By comparing the effects of nitrous oxide inhalation to placebo canisters, the trial seeks to determine if this method can improve pain management without compromising patient safety or healing. The trial is designed as a randomized controlled trial to gather preliminary data on this approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult burn patients with a total body surface area burned between 5-20% who are admitted to the Health Sciences Centre.

Not a fit: Patients who are in the intensive care unit, unable to participate in outcome measurements, or have significant respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer and more effective pain management option for burn patients during routine wound care.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited published data on the use of nitrous oxide in burn care, similar approaches in other procedural pain settings have shown promise.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

* adult burn patients admitted to the Health Sciences Centre
* total body surface area burned of 5-20%

Exclusion criteria

* admitted to intensive care unit
* unable to participate in the measurement outcomes (sedated, cognitively impaired, unable to understand English or visually impaired)
* medical condition that precludes using nitrous oxide (respiratory disease and significant cardiovascular disease 5).
* pregnant
* physically unable to hold the canister
* \<90% SaO2 on room air
* face burn
* pre-injury narcotics (relative exclusion)
* use of IV ketamine
* pre-existing lung injury

Where this trial is running

Winnipeg, Manitoba

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 BurnsPain, Acuteburns, pain, dressing change, nitrous oxide
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.