UnknownPhase 2

Treatment of Suspected Cholelithiasis With Nitroglycerin

United States62 participantsStarted 2014-10

Plain-language summary

ABSTRACT: Sublingual nitroglycerin has been advocated for the treatment of acute pain from suspected symptomatic cholelithiasis. There is, however, no clinical studies that validate its use. This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of nitroglycerine in relieving acute pain of suspected biliary tract origin. Nitroglycerin is a potent smooth muscle relaxant used for biliary tract dilation during ERCP, (Chelly, J) and has been recommended for treatment of biliary colic based on anecdotal experience and small case reports. Nitroglycerin effect is a result of the nitric oxide component of the medication which acts as a smooth muscle relaxant in vascular, bronchial, esophageal and biliary smooth muscles. \[McGowan(1936), Chelly (1979),Toyoyama (2001)\] The typical dose of nitroglycerin is 0.4 mg given sublingually in pill form or, more recently, in a metered spray form. In a case series reported by Hassel (1993), positive response times ranged from 20 to 60 seconds with duration of action of two to twelve hours. Sublingual nitroglycerin is most commonly used for treatment of chest pain related to insufficient cardiac perfusion. It has also been noted to relieve the pain of esophageal spasms. Nitroglycerin has an excellent safety profile if used in patients with adequate pretreatment blood pressures. \[Newberry (2005), Nitroglycerine (2011), Nitro (2011), Wolters (2009)\] This study proposes to compare sublingual 0.4 mg doses of nitroglycerin to placebo for the initial treatment of acute pain from suspected symptomatic cholelithiasis

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

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: Patients with right upper quadrant abdominal pain of less than 24 hours' duration between ages 18 and 60 years of age will be offered treatment with sublingual nitroglycerin or placebo. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, pronounced hypovolemia, alcohol use in the last 8 hours, clinical intoxication, STEMI or presumed cardiac chest pain, inferior myocardial infarction with right ventricular involvement, raised intracranial pressure, cardiac tamponade and patients taking certain drugs for erectile dysfunction (phosphodiesterase inhibitors), pregnancy or with a known allergy to nitroglycerin will be excluded from the study. Patients unable to give consent will be excluded. \-

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

pain relief on visual analog scale

Timeframe: two and five minutes

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01715220

SponsorUnited States Naval Medical Center, San Diego

Sponsor typeFED

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2018-12

Contact for this trial

steven j portouw, MD

619-532-8274 steven.portouw@med.navy.mil

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