Hemidiaphragmatic Paralysis With Diluted Continuous Interscalene Plexus Infusions
Stopped: interim analysis proved that protocol intervention had no preventive effect
Chile30 participantsStarted 2018-08-10
Plain-language summary
Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) constitutes the analgesic criterion standard for shoulder surgery. However, it is associated with a high incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (HDP) that may not be tolerated by patients with chronic pulmonary disease. Continuous ISBs have not avoided this complication with the reported and regularly used local anesthetic dilutions (i.e. 0.125% bupivacaine, 0.25% ropivacaine, etc). This observational study will register the incidence of HDP in continuous interscalene block (CISB) using a very diluted solution of levobupivacaine (0.04%) in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
The main objective of this study is to determine the frequency of HDP the first postoperative day before patient discharge(POD).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 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:
* age between 18 and 80 years
* American Society of Anesthesiologists classification 1-3
* body mass index between 20 and 35
Exclusion Criteria:
* adults who are unable to give their own consent
* pre-existing neuropathy (assessed by history and physical examination)
* coagulopathy (assessed by history and physical examination and, if deemed clinically necessary, by blood work up i.e. platelets ≤ 100, International Normalized Ratio ≥ 1.4 or prothrombin time ≥ 50)
* renal failure (assessed by history and physical examination and, if deemed clinically necessary, by blood work up i.e. creatinine ≥ 100)
* hepatic failure (assessed by history and physical examination and, if deemed clinically necessary, by blood work up i.e. transaminases ≥ 100)
* allergy to local anesthetics (LAs)
* pregnancy
* prior surgery in the ipsilateral neck region
* chronic pain conditions
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.