CompletedPhase 2/3

Paracervical Block in First Trimester Surgical Abortions

United States50 participantsStarted 2008-01

Plain-language summary

The investigators primary objective is to study the analgesic effects of combined ketorolac and lidocaine in a paracervical block compared to preoperative ibuprofen followed by intra-operative paracervical block with lidocaine alone on women undergoing first trimester surgical abortions. The investigators hypothesize that women who receive a paracervical block of combined ketorolac and lidocaine will experience less pain during the procedure based on a visual analog scale (VAS) compared to those who receive preoperative ibuprofen and a paracervical block with lidocaine alone. This randomized, multi-site, placebo-controlled clinical trial will investigate the difference in perceived pain from first trimester surgical abortions using a paracervical block of combined ketorolac and lidocaine compared to preoperative ibuprofen and paracervical block with lidocaine alone. A total of fifty women who are seeking elective surgical abortions of intrauterine pregnancies less than 11 0/7 weeks' gestation will be recruited from Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Planned Parenthood of Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland and Planned Parenthood Columbia-Willamette in Portland, Oregon. Pain before, during, and after surgical abortion will be measured using a 100-mm VAS. The primary outcome of interest is the mean difference in pain level from preoperative baseline to time after cervical dilation comparing the treatment groups. If the investigators see greater pain reduction associated with the paracervical block of lidocaine and ketorolac, adoption of this regimen may improve pain management during first trimester surgical abortions. If combined ketorolac and lidocaine when administered as a paracervical block is proven to be efficacious, the need for additional analgesia in first trimester surgical abortions can be minimized.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 50 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * age greater than or equal to 18 years * English-speaking * ability and willingness to sign the informed consent * ability and willingness to comply with the terms of the study * voluntary request for pregnancy termination * ultrasound-confirmed singleton intrauterine pregnancy with an estimated gestational age not exceeding 76 days (10 6/7 weeks) from the first day of the preceding menstrual cycle Exclusion Criteria: * women who require or request sedation * untreated acute cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease * contraindications to lidocaine such as allergy to lidocaine, cardiac arrhythmia or heart block, and porphyria * allergic reaction or sensitivity to lorazepam or NSAIDs * chronic NSAID use * history of gastritis or gastric ulcer * acute renal failure or chronic renal disease * chronic liver disease * history of bleeding diathesis * chronic narcotic use * current or past history of illegal drug use (excluding marijuana)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Level of Pain During Specific Time Intervals Throughout D&C Procedure.

Timeframe: Baseline, Speculum Insertion, at Paracervical block injection, After dilation, End of procedure, 30 minutes after procedure

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00617097

SponsorJohns Hopkins University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2009-05

Results submitted2014-06-09

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