CompletedPhase 4

Effects of Dexmedetomidine on the Postoperative Experience in Children

Turkey (Türkiye)42 participantsStarted 2012-02

Plain-language summary

Background: The study aim was to compare the efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus midazolam for sedation during the early postoperative period in children who underwent scoliosis surgery. Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized trial in an intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary care center. In this study, 42 patients (American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I and II) who underwent scoliosis surgery were divided into 2 groups according to sedation protocols: group DEX (n = 22) and group MDZ (n = 20). Children (12-18 years) requiring mechanical ventilation underwent a continuous infusion of either dexmedetomidine (group DEX; starting dose, 0.4 μg•kg-1•h-1) or midazolam (group MDZ; starting dose, 0.1 mg•kg-1•h-1) with intermittent fentanyl, as needed. The efficacy of sedation was assessed using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS). Quality of pain relief was measured using the Numeric Visual Analog Scale (NVAS). During the arousal assessment, delirium was determined in patients in the RASS range of -2 to +1 using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU). Fentanyl consumption, incidence of delirium, NVAS scores, and hemodynamics were recorded postoperatively at 2, 4, 6, and 24 h in the ICU.

Who can participate

Age range

12 Years – 18 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: admittance to the ICU and a requirement of mechanical ventilation with an endotracheal tube. Exclusion Criteria: Patients who had a history of allergies to midazolam and/or dexmedetomidine; delirium, developmental delay, or mental retardation, as reported by parents; an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification greater than III; any known previous reactions to anesthesia; or a history of asthma or an anticipated difficult airway and concomitant disease (neuromuscular scoliosis or neurodegenerative disease) were excluded from the study.

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

fentanyl consumption

Timeframe: 1 hour

fentanyl consumption

Timeframe: 2 hours

fentanyl consumption

Timeframe: 4 hours

fentanyl consumption

Timeframe: 6 hours

fentanyl consumption

Timeframe: 24 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01748630

SponsorInonu University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2012-09

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Failed Moderate Sedation During Procedure trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

12 Years – 18 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.