Trial Outcomes & Findings for Low-dose Ketamine vs Morphine for Vaso-occlusive Crisis in Sicklers (NCT NCT02434939)

NCT ID: NCT02434939

Last Updated: 2016-08-03

Results Overview

Our primary outcome measurement was the maximum change on the verbal NRS pain scale compared with their initial score (baseline). The NRS was used to measure a patient's subjective level of pain on a scale from 0 (representing no pain at all) to 10 (the worst pain imaginable) using whole numbers. The NRS score was documented just prior to the administration of the study drug (time zero). After infusion of the study drug was complete, NRS scores were documented at 5, 10, 20, and then every 20 minutes thereafter up to 120 minutes. We stopped recording NRS scores prior to 120 minutes if the patient requested a third dose of the study drug, withdrew consent or developed a severe adverse effect.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE4

Target enrollment

240 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

5, 10, 20,25,30, 40,45,50 60, 80, 100, 120 minutes post drug adminstration

Results posted on

2016-08-03

Participant Flow

This study enrolled children with SCD aged 7-18 with severe acute VOC admitted to the Sickle cell day care center at Mulago National Refferal Hospital from June 2015 to February 2016

Of the 800 patients, 314 met the inclusion criteria with a further 74 excluded. these included 28 with history stroke, 17 with SPO2 \< 90, 14 declined, 2 had altered mentation and 13 had undisclosed reasons. only 240 patients were randomized.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Low Dose Ketamine
Low dose ketamine 1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during study period that will last 2 hours. Low dose ketamine: Children in this arm shall receive a slow infusion of ketamine at a sub-anesthetic dose and monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Morphine
Morphine 0.1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via a syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during the study period that will last 2 hours. Morphine: Children in this arm shall receive intravenous infusion of morphine at analgesic dose and then monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Overall Study
STARTED
120
120
Overall Study
COMPLETED
83
71
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
37
49

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Low Dose Ketamine
Low dose ketamine 1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during study period that will last 2 hours. Low dose ketamine: Children in this arm shall receive a slow infusion of ketamine at a sub-anesthetic dose and monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Morphine
Morphine 0.1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via a syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during the study period that will last 2 hours. Morphine: Children in this arm shall receive intravenous infusion of morphine at analgesic dose and then monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Overall Study
Lack of Efficacy
34
48
Overall Study
Withdrawal by Subject
3
0
Overall Study
Adverse Event
0
1

Baseline Characteristics

Low-dose Ketamine vs Morphine for Vaso-occlusive Crisis in Sicklers

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Low Dose Ketamine
n=120 Participants
Low dose ketamine 1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during study period that will last 2 hours. Low dose ketamine: Children in this arm shall receive a slow infusion of ketamine at a sub-anesthetic dose and monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Morphine
n=120 Participants
Morphine 0.1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via a syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during the study period that will last 2 hours. Morphine: Children in this arm shall receive intravenous infusion of morphine at analgesic dose and then monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Total
n=240 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
11.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.4 • n=93 Participants
11.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.6 • n=4 Participants
11.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.5 • n=27 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
77 Participants
n=93 Participants
78 Participants
n=4 Participants
155 Participants
n=27 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
43 Participants
n=93 Participants
42 Participants
n=4 Participants
85 Participants
n=27 Participants
Weight
30.8 kgs
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.9 • n=93 Participants
30.0 kgs
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.2 • n=4 Participants
30.4 kgs
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.1 • n=27 Participants
Medication
prior medication
31 participants
n=93 Participants
42 participants
n=4 Participants
73 participants
n=27 Participants
Medication
no prior medication
89 participants
n=93 Participants
78 participants
n=4 Participants
167 participants
n=27 Participants
Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain score
8.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.2 • n=93 Participants
9.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.0 • n=4 Participants
9.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.1 • n=27 Participants
Temperature
36.7 oC
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.86 • n=93 Participants
36.8 oC
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.74 • n=4 Participants
36.8 oC
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.8 • n=27 Participants
blood pressure
systolic
113.7 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.0 • n=93 Participants
115.2 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.7 • n=4 Participants
114.4 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.9 • n=27 Participants
blood pressure
diastolic
64.7 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.3 • n=93 Participants
65.2 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.1 • n=4 Participants
65 mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.2 • n=27 Participants
Heart rate
95.8 bpm
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.8 • n=93 Participants
98.8 bpm
STANDARD_DEVIATION 17.8 • n=4 Participants
97.3 bpm
STANDARD_DEVIATION 16.8 • n=27 Participants
SPO2
93.9 percentage of oxygen saturation
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.8 • n=93 Participants
94.7 percentage of oxygen saturation
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.4 • n=4 Participants
94.3 percentage of oxygen saturation
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.1 • n=27 Participants
respiratory rate
23.8 breaths/minute
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.2 • n=93 Participants
24.5 breaths/minute
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.4 • n=4 Participants
24.2 breaths/minute
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.8 • n=27 Participants
Glasgow Coma Scale.(GCS)
15 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0 • n=93 Participants
15 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0 • n=4 Participants
15 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0 • n=27 Participants
Hemoglobin (Hb)
7.6 g/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.4 • n=93 Participants
8.3 g/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.3 • n=4 Participants
8 g/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.4 • n=27 Participants
site of pain
Extremity
60 participants
n=93 Participants
58 participants
n=4 Participants
118 participants
n=27 Participants
site of pain
back
18 participants
n=93 Participants
27 participants
n=4 Participants
45 participants
n=27 Participants
site of pain
chest
30 participants
n=93 Participants
23 participants
n=4 Participants
53 participants
n=27 Participants
site of pain
others
12 participants
n=93 Participants
12 participants
n=4 Participants
24 participants
n=27 Participants
status
discharged
109 participants
n=93 Participants
108 participants
n=4 Participants
217 participants
n=27 Participants
status
Admitted
11 participants
n=93 Participants
12 participants
n=4 Participants
23 participants
n=27 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 5, 10, 20,25,30, 40,45,50 60, 80, 100, 120 minutes post drug adminstration

Population: 3 patients in ketamine arm withdrew consent after 20 minutes in to the study while 1 patient in morphine arm was discontinued due to urticarial for fear of a worsened reaction if reexposed to the drug as he required a second dose

Our primary outcome measurement was the maximum change on the verbal NRS pain scale compared with their initial score (baseline). The NRS was used to measure a patient's subjective level of pain on a scale from 0 (representing no pain at all) to 10 (the worst pain imaginable) using whole numbers. The NRS score was documented just prior to the administration of the study drug (time zero). After infusion of the study drug was complete, NRS scores were documented at 5, 10, 20, and then every 20 minutes thereafter up to 120 minutes. We stopped recording NRS scores prior to 120 minutes if the patient requested a third dose of the study drug, withdrew consent or developed a severe adverse effect.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Low Dose Ketamine
n=117 Participants
Low dose ketamine 1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during study period that will last 2 hours. Low dose ketamine: Children in this arm shall receive a slow infusion of ketamine at a sub-anesthetic dose and monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Morphine
n=119 Participants
Morphine 0.1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via a syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during the study period that will last 2 hours. Morphine: Children in this arm shall receive intravenous infusion of morphine at analgesic dose and then monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Maximal Change in NRS Pain Scores as a Percentage of Baseline NRS Pain Score.
Overall
-66.4 percent change from baseline NRS score.
Standard Deviation 29.9
-61.3 percent change from baseline NRS score.
Standard Deviation 28.7
Maximal Change in NRS Pain Scores as a Percentage of Baseline NRS Pain Score.
Excluding Treatment failures
-81.1 percent change from baseline NRS score.
Standard Deviation 18.0
-79.8 percent change from baseline NRS score.
Standard Deviation 16.9
Maximal Change in NRS Pain Scores as a Percentage of Baseline NRS Pain Score.
Among Treatment failures
-33.8 percent change from baseline NRS score.
Standard Deviation 24.2
-33.9 percent change from baseline NRS score.
Standard Deviation 19.1
Maximal Change in NRS Pain Scores as a Percentage of Baseline NRS Pain Score.
Those still at maximal effect at 120
-80 percent change from baseline NRS score.
Standard Deviation 18.7
-81.7 percent change from baseline NRS score.
Standard Deviation 17.0

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 minutes post drug administration

Following dosage with study medication, the amount of time taken to demonstrate the maximal change in the patient's NRS pain score. Maximal change in NRS pain score is to be defined as the largest change from patient's baseline pain score. Duration of maximal change is how long the patient's pain score remained at this level.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Low Dose Ketamine
n=120 Participants
Low dose ketamine 1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during study period that will last 2 hours. Low dose ketamine: Children in this arm shall receive a slow infusion of ketamine at a sub-anesthetic dose and monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Morphine
n=120 Participants
Morphine 0.1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via a syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during the study period that will last 2 hours. Morphine: Children in this arm shall receive intravenous infusion of morphine at analgesic dose and then monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Time to Maximal Analgesic Effect and Duration of Action of Ketamine
time to maximal effect
19.8 minutes
Standard Deviation 14.4
34.1 minutes
Standard Deviation 22.1
Time to Maximal Analgesic Effect and Duration of Action of Ketamine
duration of maximal effect
60 minutes
Standard Deviation 28.7
58.5 minutes
Standard Deviation 30.3

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 minutes post drug administration

The patient will be assessed for vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation), Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) score at 5,10,20 minutes following medication administration and then every 20 minutes until a total of 120 minutes from the first dose of study medication. outlying vital signs recorded.( systolic Blood pressure less than 90mmHg or greater than 150mmHg, Heart rate less than 50bpm or greater than 150bpm, oxygen saturation below 90%, respiratory rate below 9breaths/minute or greater than 40breaths/minute and RSS of 1 or greater than 3) The RSS was used to asses the level of agitation or sedation caused by the intervention .the scale ranges from 1(anxious/agitated) to 6( no response to stimulus-deep sedation) with 2 being the optimal (cooperative, oriented and tranquil).A checklist for side effects like airway problems, allergic reactions, salivation, dysphoria,nystagmus, respiratory/cardiac arrest, awakening hallucinations, nausea/vomiting was used

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Low Dose Ketamine
n=120 Participants
Low dose ketamine 1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during study period that will last 2 hours. Low dose ketamine: Children in this arm shall receive a slow infusion of ketamine at a sub-anesthetic dose and monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Morphine
n=120 Participants
Morphine 0.1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via a syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during the study period that will last 2 hours. Morphine: Children in this arm shall receive intravenous infusion of morphine at analgesic dose and then monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Incidence of Side Effects, Including Outlying Vital Signs
45 participants
4 participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 120 minutes

Requiring more than two doses of the study medication provided for adequate pain control

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Low Dose Ketamine
n=120 Participants
Low dose ketamine 1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during study period that will last 2 hours. Low dose ketamine: Children in this arm shall receive a slow infusion of ketamine at a sub-anesthetic dose and monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Morphine
n=120 Participants
Morphine 0.1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via a syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during the study period that will last 2 hours. Morphine: Children in this arm shall receive intravenous infusion of morphine at analgesic dose and then monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Incidence of Treatment Failure by Treatment Group.
34 participants
48 participants

Adverse Events

Low Dose Ketamine

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 45 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Morphine

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 4 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Low Dose Ketamine
n=120 participants at risk
Low dose ketamine 1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during study period that will last 2 hours. Low dose ketamine: Children in this arm shall receive a slow infusion of ketamine at a sub-anesthetic dose and monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Morphine
n=120 participants at risk
Morphine 0.1mg/kg given as an IV infusion via a syringe pump over 10 minutes. Maximum of 2 doses to be given during the study period that will last 2 hours. Morphine: Children in this arm shall receive intravenous infusion of morphine at analgesic dose and then monitored for pain, vital signs and side effects for 2 hours. Records will be taken at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120min.
Eye disorders
nystagmus
15.0%
18/120 • Number of events 18 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
0.00%
0/120 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
Nervous system disorders
dysphoria
11.7%
14/120 • Number of events 14 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
0.00%
0/120 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
General disorders
dizziness
3.3%
4/120 • Number of events 4 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
0.83%
1/120 • Number of events 1 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
urticaric rash
0.00%
0/120 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
0.83%
1/120 • Number of events 1 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
pruritis
0.00%
0/120 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
2.5%
3/120 • Number of events 3 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea & Vomiting
2.5%
3/120 • Number of events 3 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
0.00%
0/120 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
Gastrointestinal disorders
over salivation
5.0%
6/120 • Number of events 6 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion
0.00%
0/120 • 5, 10, 20,25, 30, 40,45,50,60,80,100, 120 minutes post infusion

Additional Information

Dr.Lubega Felix Anthony

Makerere University ,College of Health Sciences, Department of Anesthesia and Critical care

Phone: +256777756571

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place