Virtual reality versus IV dexmedetomidine to reduce maternal anxiety during cesarean delivery
Official title: Effect of Virtual Reality Versus Intravenous Dexmedetomidine on Maternal Anxiety, Stress, Hemodynamics, and Neonatal Outcomes During Cesarean Section
Run by Benha University · NCT07343843 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether virtual reality or an IV dexmedetomidine infusion better reduces anxiety, stabilizes blood pressure and heart rate, and improves newborn breathing and heart rate in women having elective cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Benha University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Banhā, Benha) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07343843 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adult women (≥18 years) with ASA physical status II who are scheduled for elective cesarean under central neuraxial blockade and can provide informed consent, without psychiatric, sensory, neurologic, or pregnancy-related complications, are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia, sensory impairments (blindness or deafness), epilepsy, claustrophobia, active labor, fetal distress, or pregnancy-related complications are unlikely to be eligible or to receive benefit from the interventions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Women scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under central neuraxial blockade will receive either an intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion or an immersive virtual reality session during the procedure. The trial compares effects on maternal anxiety and stress, perioperative hemodynamic stability (blood pressure and heart rate), and immediate neonatal outcomes such as respiration and heart rate. Key exclusions include psychiatric disorders, sensory impairments, epilepsy, claustrophobia, active labor, fetal distress, and contraindications to regional anesthesia. Outcomes are measured during the perioperative period and in the immediate newborn assessment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could reduce maternal anxiety, improve hemodynamic stability during cesarean delivery, and potentially lead to better immediate newborn respiratory and heart rate outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have reported that dexmedetomidine reduces perioperative anxiety and that VR can lower procedural anxiety in other surgical settings, but direct comparisons in cesarean delivery remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age over 18 years old. * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II. * Scheduled for elective cesarean section (CS) delivery under Central Neuraxial Blockade. * Provide informed consent and agree to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient's refusal * Patient known have contraindications for Regional Anesthesia as infection at the site of injection, severe coagulopathy or allergy to local anesthetics. * Patient with psychiatric disorders. * Sensory impairment (blindness, deafness). * Any technical problem preventing proper fitting of the glasses to the patient face. * Patients with cognitive impairment, epilepsy or with claustrophobia * Patients with suspected eye infection * Signs of active labor. * Pregnancy related-diseases or antepartum hemorrhage. * Presence of Fetal distress.
Where it's running
-
Benha University
Banhā, Benha, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emad M Sayed, MBBCH
- Email: dr.emad.mohamedsayed@gmail.com
- Phone: 00201111710428
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Evaluating the effects of dexmedetomidine in outpatient surgery anesthesia
This study is testing if using dexmedetomidine instead of opioids during outpatient surgeries can help patients feel better and wake up more smoothly after anesthesia.
-
LMWH for Neonatal Outcomes in Isolated Oligohydramnios
This trial tests whether adding a low-molecular-weight heparin shot to standard care helps babies born after oligohydramnios have better outcomes.
-
Effects of massage and exercises on cesarean scar and recovery
This study tests whether direct scar massage or indirect massage plus exercise helps people recover after a cesarean birth and reduces scar-related pain.
-
Breathing and VR Nature Videos in Angiography Patients
This trial tests whether breathing meditation with VR nature videos can reduce anxiety and improve comfort for adults undergoing coronary angiography.
-
Reflexology and hand massage after cesarean section
This study tests whether reflexology hand massage or stroking hand massage can reduce anxiety and increase satisfaction, and how they affect heart/blood pressure after cesarean delivery.
-
Video-Only vs Standard Informed Consent for Amniocentesis or CVS in Pregnant Women
This study tests whether video-based education helps reduce anxiety and improve decision readiness for invasive prenatal testing in pregnant women.
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.