Using pupillometry to measure acute pain in children and teens
Official title: Characterization of Acute Nociceptive Pain and Analgesic Response in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients
Run by Children's National Research Institute · NCT07336264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether a non-invasive pupillometry device (AlgometRx Nociometer) can provide an objective measure of acute pain in children and adolescents ages 6 to 21 who are having elective surgery or undergoing bone marrow transplantation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's National Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 2, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | January 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07336264 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 6 to 21 who can provide assent (with parental consent as required) and are undergoing elective surgery without chronic pain or are undergoing/planning bone marrow transplantation, and who do not have eye conditions that prevent pupillometry.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with documented eye disease that precludes pupillometry, those with chronic pain outside the eligibility criteria, or those not receiving care at the enrolling hospital are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this observational protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study will enroll patients aged 6–21 at Children's National Hospital who are undergoing elective surgical procedures or bone marrow transplantation. The AlgometRx Nociometer measures changes in pupil size in response to gentle electrical stimulation as a potential objective signal of nociceptive activity. Measurements will be taken before and after procedures and during routine hospital care alongside standard self-report and observational pain scales. Participation does not change clinical pain management and is limited to recording device and clinical assessment data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could give clinicians a reliable, objective way to measure pain in children and help tailor pain relief more accurately.
How similar studies have gone: Pupillary response monitoring and nociception indices have shown promise in adult studies, but applying objective pupillometry in pediatric perioperative and transplant populations is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children and adolescents ages 6 to 21 years * Undergoing elective surgical procedures without a history of chronic pain, OR undergoing or planning to undergo bone marrow transplantation (BMT) * Able to provide written informed assent and parental permission/consent, as applicable Exclusion Criteria: * Documented history of eye disease that precludes pupillometry * Unwilling or unable to participate
Where it's running
-
Children's National Hospital
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julia Finkel, M.D
- Email: JFINKEL@childrensnational.org
- Phone: 202-841-0362
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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.