This randomized controlled trial examines whether the addition of a low-dose dexmedetomidine infusion to our current multimodal pain management plan decreases narcotic consumption and reduces side effects in adolescent patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis.
Patients will assigned to one of two groups. Either the intervention group where they will receive a dexmedetomidine infusion at 0.2mcg/kg/hr for 24 hours post-operatively or the control group where they will receive a normal saline infusion for 24 hours post-operatively in addition to our hospitals standard pain management protocol. Pain scores will be recorded and patients will fill out a brief questionnaire on POD 1 about their pain control and side effects (pruritus, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
46
Patient receives dexmedetomidine for 48 hours post-operatively
Patient receives normal saline for 48 hours post-operatively
Children's Mercy Hospital
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
narcotic consumption
measuring narcotic consumption in mg/kg per 24 hours in morphine equivalents
Time frame: 48 hours post-operatively
Incidence of side effects (nausea, vomiting, pruritus)
Assessing the incidence of side effects (nausea, vomiting, pruritus) using a questionnaire and documented episodes of emesis
Time frame: 48 hours post-operatively
Patient safety
Need to discontinue infusion due to over sedation (Ramsey score of 4 or greater), bradycardia (HR \<50 sustained on 2 assessments or symptomatic), hypotension (SBP\<85 on 2 consecutive assessments or symptomatic). If these HR and SBP safety parameters are not appropriate for a participant based on baseline measurements or medical history new limits will be entered in a nurse communication.
Time frame: 24 hours post-operatively
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