Abdominal Pain study: Ketamine hydrochloride vs Morphine sulphate
Official title Morphine or Ketamine for Analgesia
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06835504
What this study is testing
What is Ketamine hydrochloride?
This is an investigational medicine being studied to see if it can help treat acute abdominal pain in children. It is designed to block certain nerve signals in the brain to help reduce the feeling of pain.
Plain-language explanation of the investigational treatment. It is being studied and is not an approved or proven therapy. The study team can confirm the details.
- What it's testing
- The study wants to see if ketamine is as good as morphine for treating moderate to severe pain in kids, while having fewer side effects and better long‑term outcomes.
- Who it's for
- Children who come to the emergency department with moderate to severe abdominal or limb pain.
- What's involved
- Participants will receive either ketamine or morphine, then have pain and side‑effect checks during their stay and follow‑up visits to track pain, medication use and mental health.
- Time commitment
- The study lasts from the emergency visit through a few follow‑up appointments over several weeks, with visits scheduled as needed for pain and health monitoring.
- Phase 3: a large, late-stage study
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 6 to 17
You may be able to join if
- Age 6 to \< 18 years old
- Chief complaint includes abdominal pain OR isolated long-bone extremity fracture (suspected or proven)
- Self-reported pain score of ≥ 6/10
- Requires IV morphine for analgesia as determined by the treating physician
You likely can't join if
- Weighs more than 81.9 kg
- Known allergy/contraindication to morphine or ketamine
- Antecedent receipt of ketamine related to presenting complaint
- Inability to use self-report measures of pain or questionnaires
- Chronic disease associated with pain
- Chronic pain conditions requiring use of opioids as an outpatient
See the full eligibility criteria
- Age 6 to \< 18 years old
- Chief complaint includes abdominal pain OR isolated long-bone extremity fracture (suspected or proven)
- Self-reported pain score of ≥ 6/10
- Requires IV morphine for analgesia as determined by the treating physician
- Weighs more than 81.9 kg
- Known allergy/contraindication to morphine or ketamine
- Antecedent receipt of ketamine related to presenting complaint
- Inability to use self-report measures of pain or questionnaires
- Chronic disease associated with pain
- Chronic pain conditions requiring use of opioids as an outpatient
- Abnormal vital signs at baseline, defined as oxygen saturation \<92% and/or low respiratory rate and/or low heart rate and/or low blood pressure per age
- Altered mental state (e.g., GCS \< 14 or clinical intoxication)
- Known history of schizophrenia, liver or kidney problems, or osteogenesis imperfecta
- Concern for open fracture, neurovascular compromise, or compartment syndrome
- Injuries in addition to the extremity injury (e.g., head, neck, abdomen)
- Known or reported pregnancy
- Patients who are breastfeeding
- Patient or parent/guardian does not speak English or Spanish
- Patient previously enrolled in this study
- Known significant or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
- Known increased intracranial pressure and/or elevated intraocular pressure
- Currently taking or having used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor within 14 days
- Wards of state, foster children, or children in custody
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Sacramento, California, United States
- Wilmington, Delaware, United States
- Seattle, Washington, United States
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 6 years to 17 years. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Sacramento, California, United States; Wilmington, Delaware, United States; Seattle, Washington, United States; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.