Using oral ketamine to treat pain from sickle-cell crises in young patients
A Pilot Study of the Use of Oral Ketamine for Treatment of Vaso-Occlusive Pain in Adolescents and Young Adults
This study is testing if giving oral ketamine can help young people with sickle-cell disease feel less pain during painful crises without using opioids.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston Children's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05378555 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of administering oral ketamine as an analgesic for children and adolescents experiencing vaso-occlusive crises due to sickle-cell disease. Conducted at Boston Children's Hospital, the study will involve 10 patients aged 12 to 24 years who will receive oral ketamine every 8 hours for 48 hours, alongside standard pain management protocols. Pain and sedation levels will be monitored regularly, and adjustments to treatment will be made based on patient responses and side effects. The goal is to explore a non-opioid alternative to improve pain management and reduce opioid-related side effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 12 to 24 years who are hospitalized for vaso-occlusive pain.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of adverse reactions to intravenous ketamine may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer and more effective pain management option for young patients suffering from vaso-occlusive crises.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of ketamine for pain management is established, this specific approach of oral administration in this patient population is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients 12-24 years of age who require admission for vaso-occlusive pain Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who have had side effects to previous use of intravenous ketamine for treatment of vaso-occlusive pain that would preclude using ketamine for future pain episodes. * Patient refusal to participate
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christine Greco, MD
- Email: christine.greco@childrens.harvard.edu
- Phone: 857-218-3556
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.