Using phenylephrine to reduce blood loss during burn surgery

Phenylephrine Tumescence for Hemostasis in Surgery for Burn Injury - A Randomized Control Trial

Phase 1 Interventional University of Manitoba · NCT01731444

This study is testing if phenylephrine can help reduce blood loss during burn surgery without affecting heart rate or blood pressure.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Manitoba Academic / other
Locations1 site (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Trial IDNCT01731444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of phenylephrine as an alternative to epinephrine for controlling blood loss during skin grafting in burn injuries. The study aims to determine if phenylephrine can effectively reduce blood loss without causing adverse effects on heart rate or blood pressure. Participants will receive injections of phenylephrine under the skin at the site of injury before undergoing standard surgical procedures. The goal is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of phenylephrine in this context.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with burn injuries requiring debridement and grafting covering 5-30% of total body surface area.

Not a fit: Patients with burns on the head, neck, hands, feet, or genitals, or those with certain cardiovascular conditions or on specific medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to safer surgical procedures for burn victims by minimizing blood loss without impacting cardiovascular function.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of epinephrine is standard in similar procedures, the application of phenylephrine in this context is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

a) Burn injury requiring debridement and grafting between 5-30% TBSA

Exclusion Criteria

1. Head and neck, hand, foot, or genital burns
2. On anticoagulants (except NSAIDs)
3. On monoamine oxidase inhibitor or tricyclic antidepressant
4. Coronary or peripheral vascular disease
5. History of arrhythmias
6. On a Beta-blocker
7. History of vascular abnormality
8. Hypertension

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 Blood Loss, Surgicalblood lossburnhemostasis
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.