TerminatedPhase 4

Opioid & Steroid Use Following Tonsillectomy in Pediatric Patients

Stopped: Lack of funding

United States24 participantsStarted 2021-04-14

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if a post-operative course of oral dexamethasone affects opioid usage in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Patients who are scheduled to undergo tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy are randomized to receive either 1) a post-operative steroid course of oral dexamethasone in addition opioids, acetaminophen,NSAIDs or 2) opioids/acetaminophen/NSAIDS alone. All drugs are prescribed per approved FDA labeling. Children between the ages of 4-17 will be considered for enrollment. Participants (or with the aid of parents/legal guardian for subjects unable to complete on their own) will complete a diary twice a day to record pain medication administration and visual pain scale. Remaining steroid and opioid medication will be measured at the routine post-operative appointment that occurs 4 - 6 weeks following surgery.

Who can participate

Age range

4 Years – 17 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 4-17 years at time of surgery * Scheduled for tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Prior history of intracapsular tonsillectomy * Previous diagnoses of Down Syndrome or developmental delay * Presence of gastrostomy (g) tube * A contraindication to steroids or steroid usage within 30 days prior to surgery including diabetes, allergy to steroid, already on chronic steroid, immune deficiency * Active infection or concurrent operative procedures at the time of surgery * Unable to read or speak English * Pregnant or breastfeeding females

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

Opioid Use (Number of Doses)

Timeframe: 4 weeks post-op

Average Pain Score

Timeframe: 14 days post-op

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04541147

SponsorDuke University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-12-26

Results submitted2024-12-04

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pain, Postoperative trials