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PainPhase 3NCT01301079

Evaluation of the Effect of Ketamine on Remifentanil-induced Hyperalgesia

A Phase 3 study testing Ketamine and Saline in people with Pain and Hyperalgesia, run by Federal University of São Paulo at 1 site in Brazil.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

The aim of this study was to determine if the addition of ketamine reduces remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia, improves its analgesic effect, inhibits IL(interleukin)-6 and IL-8 (inflammatory cytokines), and stimulates IL-10 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 78 years
Conditions the study is for
Pain, Hyperalgesia, Inflammatory Response
What is being tested?
Ketamine and Saline
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteBrazil
Study dates
Sep 2010to Sep 2012
Phase
Phase 3
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 78 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • ≥ 18 years old
  • both sexes
  • ASA physical status I or II
  • undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Who cannot join

  • chronic users of analgesics or had used opioids within 12 h of surgery
  • history of drug or alcohol abuse or psychiatric disorder
  • contraindications to self-administration of opioids (ie, unable to understand the patient-controlled analgesia [PCA] device)
  • contraindication for the use of ketamine, such as a psychiatric disorder, acute cardiovascular disorder, or unstable hypertension

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Brazil1 site
  • Federal University of São Paulo

    São Paulo, São Paulo

Other trials in Brazil

About this study

Official title: Evaluation of the Effect of Ketamine on Remifentanil-induced Hyperalgesia Using Filaments, an Algometer, and Interleukins: a Double-blind, Randomized Study

The aim of this study was to determine if the addition of ketamine reduces remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia, improves its analgesic effect, inhibits IL(interleukin)-6 and IL-8 (inflammatory cytokines), and stimulates IL-10 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine).

Read the detailed description

Opioids are very effective in pain relief, but they might lower pain threshold, making the patient more sensitive to a pain stimulus, a condition known as hyperalgesia [Angst; Clarck, 2006]. Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is usually defined as a reduction in nociceptive thresholds in the peripheral field of the sensitized fibers [Koppert et al., 2003], and it is associated with increased pain and higher demand for postoperative analgesia [Guignard et al., 2000]. This phenomenon adversely impacts pain control, and has been suggested to occur in the peri-operative context, especially associated with the use of remifentanil, a short-acting opioid [Guignard et al., 2000].

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the hyperalgesia phenomenon, but the most important seems to be the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors [Célèrier et al., 2000]. Ketamine is a NMDA receptor antagonist that has been shown to reduce postoperative pain and the need for postoperative anesthetics and analgesics. Therefore, it is proposed that ketamine could prevent hyperalgesia, resulting in more effective and long-lasting postsurgical analgesia [Célèrier et al. 2000].

The results of studies of low dose of ketamine in the prevention of remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia are controversial. Joly et al. [2005] demonstrated a reduction in the consumption of opioids and in hyperalgesia assessed with monofilaments. However, Engelhardt et al [2008] showed no differences in pain scores or in postoperative opioid consumption.

In addition, some authors observed higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines, associated with increased pain in mice receiving chronic opioid (morphine) infusion [Johnston et al., 2004; Liang et al., 2008]. Also, administration of proinflammatory cytokine inhibitors reduced phosphorylation of NMDA receptors [Zhang et al., 2008]. However, no study has examined the relationship between the use of remifentanil, the most frequently implicated opioid in OIH [Guignard et al., 2000], ketamine (drug capable of inhibiting NMDA-receptors and cytokines) [Dale et al., 2012], and the inflammatory response.

The aim of this study was to determine if the addition of ketamine reduces remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia, improves its analgesic effect, inhibits IL-6 and IL-8 (inflammatory cytokines), and stimulates IL-10 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine) in patients submitted to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a procedure with an usually neglected potential for postoperative pain and that has been poorly investigated in association with OIH.

Being tested
Ketamine, Saline
Keywords
Remifentanil, Hyperalgesia, Ketamine, Von Frey's filament, Algometer, Interleukines, Opioid-induced hyperalgesia
Medical subject headings
Pain, Hyperalgesia

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • KetamineDrug

    Patients in group ketamine was administrated ketamine (5mcg/kg/min) during the surgery.

  • SalineDrug

    Patients in group N (placebo) was administrated saline during surgery.

Study groups in NCT01301079
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
KetamineActive comparatorA cardioscope, a capnograph, a pulse oximeter, and a noninvasive blood pressure meter were used to monitor the patients. Propofol (2-4 mg/kg), remifentanil (1 μg/kg), and atracurium (0.5 mg/kg) were administered for intubation. Atracurium was titrated to maintain muscle relaxation. Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil, 0.8% isoflurane, and 50% oxygen without nitrous oxide. Infusion of the solutions was continued until skin closure. The patients in group ketamine received remifentanil (0.4 μg/kg/min) and ketamine (5 μg/kg/min). Remifentanil was administered as necessary until skin closure. Neostigmine was used for antagonizing the neuromuscular block.
Receives: Drug: Ketamine
SalinePlacebo comparatorA cardioscope, a capnograph, a pulse oximeter, and a noninvasive blood pressure meter were used to monitor the patients. Propofol (2-4 mg/kg), 1 μg/kg remifentanil, and atracurium (0.5 mg/kg) were administered for intubation. Atracurium was titrated to maintain muscle relaxation. Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil, 0.8% isoflurane, and 50% oxygen without nitrous oxide. Infusion of the solutions was continued until skin closure. The patients in group saline received remifentanil (0.4 μg/kg/min) and saline solution. Remifentanil was administered as necessary until skin closure. Neostigmine was used for antagonizing the neuromuscular block.
Receives: Drug: Saline

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Pain 30 Minutes

    The scale measure pain after 30 minutes (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 30 minutes

  2. Pain 60 Minutes

    The scale measure pain after 60 minutes (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 60 minutes

  3. Pain 90 Minutes

    The scale measure pain after 90 minutes (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 90 minutes

  4. Pain 120 Minutes

    The scale measure pain after 120 minutes (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 120 minutes

  5. Pain 150 Minutes

    The scale measure pain after 150 minutes (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 150 minutes

  6. Pain 180 Minutes

    The scale measure pain after 180 minutes (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 180 minutes

  7. Pain 210 Minutes

    The scale measure pain after 210 minutes (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 210 minutes

  8. Pain 240 Minutes

    The scale measure pain after 240 minutes (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 240 minutes

  9. Pain 6 Hours

    The scale measure pain after 6 hours (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 6 hours

  10. Pain 12 Hours

    The scale measure pain after 12 hours (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 12 hours

  11. Pain 18 Hours

    The scale measure pain after 18 hours (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 18 hours

  12. Pain 24 Hours

    The scale measure pain after 24 hours (0 - without pain and 10 worst pain possible). The individual can choose any number between 0 - 10.

    Measured: 24 hours

Secondary outcomes (24)
  1. Time to First Morphine Supplementation

    Measured: 24 hours

  2. Morphine Consumption Within 24 h

    Measured: 24 hours

  3. Hyperalgesia in the Preoperative Period as Measured With Monofilaments in Thenar Eminence

    The pain threshold was assessed using six von Frey monofilaments (0,05 g; 0,2 g; 2 g; 4 g; 10 g e 300 g) in thenar eminence in the preoperative period. The use of different von Frey monofilaments, starting with the lightest and ending with the heaviest, was separated by at least 30 seconds to reduce any anticipated responses due to a new stimulation that was performed too soon after the preceding stimulation. Three assessments were made for each monofilament, and this was considered positive when the patient responded to two of the determinations for each monofilament.

    Measured: Before the procedure (Baseline)

  4. Hyperalgesia in the Postoperative Period as Measured With Monofilaments in Thenar Eminence

    The pain threshold was assessed using six von Frey monofilaments (0,05 g; 0,2 g; 2 g; 4 g; 10 g e 300 g) in thenar eminence in the postoperative period (24 hours after procedure). The use of different von Frey monofilaments, starting with the lightest and ending with the heaviest, was separated by at least 30 seconds to reduce any anticipated responses due to a new stimulation that was performed too soon after the preceding stimulation. Three assessments were made for each monofilament, and this was considered positive when the patient responded to two of the determinations for each monofilament.

    Measured: 24 hours after procedure

  5. Hyperalgesia in the Preoperative Period as Measured With Monofilaments in the Periumbilical Region

    The pain threshold was assessed using six von Frey monofilaments (0,05 g; 0,2 g; 2 g; 4 g; 10 g e 300 g) in the periumbilical region in the preoperative period. The use of different von Frey monofilaments, starting with the lightest and ending with the heaviest, was separated by at least 30 seconds to reduce any anticipated responses due to a new stimulation that was performed too soon after the preceding stimulation. Three assessments were made for each monofilament, and this was considered positive when the patient responded to two of the determinations for each monofilament.

    Measured: Before the procedure (Baseline)

  6. Hyperalgesia in the Postoperative Period as Measured With Monofilaments in the Periumbilical Region

    The pain threshold was assessed using six von Frey monofilaments (0,05 g; 0,2 g; 2 g; 4 g; 10 g e 300 g) in the periumbilical region in the postoperative period (24h after the procedure). The use of different von Frey monofilaments, starting with the lightest and ending with the heaviest, was separated by at least 30 seconds to reduce any anticipated responses due to a new stimulation that was performed too soon after the preceding stimulation. Three assessments were made for each monofilament, and this was considered positive when the patient responded to two of the determinations for each monofilament.

    Measured: 24h after the procedure

  7. Hyperalgesia in the Preoperative Period as Measured With Algometer in Thenar Eminence

    The mechanical pain threshold was evaluated using an algometer. The pressure was increased by 0.1 kgf/second until the patient complained of pain. The mean of three determinations was calculated.

    Measured: Baseline (before the procedure)

  8. Hyperalgesia in the Postoperative Period as Measured With Algometer in Thenar Eminence

    The mechanical pain threshold was evaluated using an algometer. The pressure was increased by 0.1 kgf/second until the patient complained of pain. The mean of three determinations was calculated.

    Measured: 24 h after the procedure

  9. Hyperalgesia in the Preoperative Period as Measured With Algometer in the Periumbilical Region

    The mechanical pain threshold was evaluated using an algometer. The pressure was increased by 0.1 kgf/second until the patient complained of pain. The mean of three determinations was calculated.

    Measured: Baseline (before the surgery)

  10. Hyperalgesia in the Postoperative Period as Measured With Algometer in the Periumbilical Region

    The mechanical pain threshold was evaluated using an algometer. The pressure was increased by 0.1 kgf/second until the patient complained of pain. The mean of three determinations was calculated.

    Measured: 24 h after the procedure

  11. Extension of Hyperalgesia

    The 300-g filament was used 24 hours after the operation to induce a stimulus and delineate the extent of hyperalgesia from the periumbilical region. The stimulus was started outside the periumbilical region, where no pain sensation was reported, and continued every 0.5 cm until the 4 points of the periumbilical scar were reached (top, right side, left side, and bottom). The first point where the patient complained of pain was marked. If no pain sensation was reported, the stimulus was terminated 0.5 cm from the incision. The distance of each point from the surgical incision was measured, and the sum of the distances of the points was determined.

    Measured: 24 hours after the procedure

  12. Allodynia as Detected With a Soft Brush in the Periumbilical Region Before the Procedure

    The evaluations using the soft brush were performed 2-3 cm from the incision in the periumbilical region (where the large trocar was placed) before the procedure

    Measured: Before the procedure (Baseline)

  13. Allodynia as Detected With a Soft Brush in the Periumbilical Region 24 h After the Procedure

    The evaluations using the soft brush were performed 2-3 cm from the incision in the periumbilical region (where the large trocar was placed) 24 h after the procedure

    Measured: 24 h after the procedure

  14. Allodynia as Detected With a Soft Brush in the Thenar Eminence Before the Procedure

    The evaluations using the soft brush were performed in the thenar eminence of the nondominant hand before the procedure

    Measured: Before the procedure (Baseline)

  15. Allodynia as Detected With a Soft Brush in the Thenar Eminence 24 h After the Procedure

    The evaluations using the soft brush were performed in the thenar eminence of the non dominant hand 24 h after the procedure

    Measured: 24 h after the procedure

  16. Serum Level of Interleukin (IL)-6 Before the Procedure

    Blood samples were drawn in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes before the surgery. The blood was centrifuged to separate the plasma and was stored at -70°C. IL-6 was analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology.

    Measured: Baseline (Before the procedure)

  17. Serum Level of Interleukin (IL)-6 5 h After the Procedure

    Blood samples were drawn in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes 5 h after the surgery. The blood was centrifuged to separate the plasma and was stored at -70°C. IL-6 was analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology.

    Measured: 5 h after the procedure

  18. Serum Level of Interleukin (IL)-6 24 h After the Procedure

    Blood samples were drawn in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes 24 h after the surgery. The blood was centrifuged to separate the plasma and was stored at -70°C. IL-6 was analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology.

    Measured: 24 h after the procedure

  19. Serum Level of Interleukin (IL)-8 Before the Procedure

    Blood samples were drawn in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes before the surgery. The blood was centrifuged to separate the plasma and was stored at -70°C. IL-8 was analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology.

    Measured: Baseline (Before the procedure)

  20. Serum Level of Interleukin (IL)-8 5 h After the Procedure

    Blood samples were drawn in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes 5 h after the surgery. The blood was centrifuged to separate the plasma and was stored at -70°C. IL-8 was analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology.

    Measured: 5 h after the procedure

  21. Serum Level of Interleukin (IL)-8 24 h After the Procedure

    Blood samples were drawn in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes 24 h after the surgery. The blood was centrifuged to separate the plasma and was stored at -70°C. IL-8 was analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology.

    Measured: 24 h after the procedure

  22. Serum Level of Interleukin (IL)-10 Before the Procedure

    Blood samples were drawn in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes before the surgery. The blood was centrifuged to separate the plasma and was stored at -70°C. IL-6 was analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology.

    Measured: Baseline (Before the procedure)

  23. Serum Level of Interleukin (IL)-10 5h After the Procedure

    Blood samples were drawn in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes 5 h after the surgery. The blood was centrifuged to separate the plasma and was stored at -70°C. IL-10 was analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology.

    Measured: 5h after the procedure

  24. Serum Level of Interleukin (IL)-10 24 h After the Procedure

    Blood samples were drawn in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes 24 h after the surgery. The blood was centrifuged to separate the plasma and was stored at -70°C. IL-6 was analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology.

    Measured: 24 h after the procedure

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted23 Feb 2011 (estimated)
  2. Study startSep 2010
  3. Primary completionSep 2012
  4. Study completionSep 2012

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT01301079
Sponsor's protocol ID
anaana
Status last verified
Oct 2014
First submitted
22 Feb 2011
Last updated
10 Nov 2014
Data monitoring committee
Yes

Publications

  • Liang D, Shi X, Qiao Y, Angst MS, Yeomans DC, Clark JD. Chronic morphine administration enhances nociceptive sensitivity and local cytokine production after incision. Mol Pain. 2008 Feb 22;4:7. doi: 10.1186/1744-8069-4-7.

    PubMed 18294378
  • Zhang RX, Li A, Liu B, Wang L, Ren K, Zhang H, Berman BM, Lao L. IL-1ra alleviates inflammatory hyperalgesia through preventing phosphorylation of NMDA receptor NR-1 subunit in rats. Pain. 2008 Apr;135(3):232-239. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2007.05.023. Epub 2007 Aug 6.

    PubMed 17689191
  • Dale O, Somogyi AA, Li Y, Sullivan T, Shavit Y. Does intraoperative ketamine attenuate inflammatory reactivity following surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Anesth Analg. 2012 Oct;115(4):934-43. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0b013e3182662e30. Epub 2012 Jul 23.

    PubMed 22826531
  • Angst MS, Clark JD. Opioid-induced hyperalgesia: a qualitative systematic review. Anesthesiology. 2006 Mar;104(3):570-87. doi: 10.1097/00000542-200603000-00025.

    PubMed 16508405
  • Koppert W, Sittl R, Scheuber K, Alsheimer M, Schmelz M, Schuttler J. Differential modulation of remifentanil-induced analgesia and postinfusion hyperalgesia by S-ketamine and clonidine in humans. Anesthesiology. 2003 Jul;99(1):152-9. doi: 10.1097/00000542-200307000-00025.

    PubMed 12826855
  • Guignard B, Bossard AE, Coste C, Sessler DI, Lebrault C, Alfonsi P, Fletcher D, Chauvin M. Acute opioid tolerance: intraoperative remifentanil increases postoperative pain and morphine requirement. Anesthesiology. 2000 Aug;93(2):409-17. doi: 10.1097/00000542-200008000-00019.

    PubMed 10910490
  • Celerier E, Rivat C, Jun Y, Laulin JP, Larcher A, Reynier P, Simonnet G. Long-lasting hyperalgesia induced by fentanyl in rats: preventive effect of ketamine. Anesthesiology. 2000 Feb;92(2):465-72. doi: 10.1097/00000542-200002000-00029.

    PubMed 10691234
  • Joly V, Richebe P, Guignard B, Fletcher D, Maurette P, Sessler DI, Chauvin M. Remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia and its prevention with small-dose ketamine. Anesthesiology. 2005 Jul;103(1):147-55. doi: 10.1097/00000542-200507000-00022.

    PubMed 15983467
  • Engelhardt T, Zaarour C, Naser B, Pehora C, de Ruiter J, Howard A, Crawford MW. Intraoperative low-dose ketamine does not prevent a remifentanil-induced increase in morphine requirement after pediatric scoliosis surgery. Anesth Analg. 2008 Oct;107(4):1170-5. doi: 10.1213/ane.0b013e318183919e.

    PubMed 18806023
  • Johnston IN, Milligan ED, Wieseler-Frank J, Frank MG, Zapata V, Campisi J, Langer S, Martin D, Green P, Fleshner M, Leinwand L, Maier SF, Watkins LR. A role for proinflammatory cytokines and fractalkine in analgesia, tolerance, and subsequent pain facilitation induced by chronic intrathecal morphine. J Neurosci. 2004 Aug 18;24(33):7353-65. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1850-04.2004.

    PubMed 15317861

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing Ketamine and Saline in people with Pain and Hyperalgesia, run by Federal University of São Paulo at 1 site in Brazil.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Nov 2014. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Brazil. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 10 Nov 2014). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Pain 30 Minutes (time frame: 30 minutes). The study lists 12 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01301079, which also lists 10 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Nov 2014; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.

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