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Thyroid DiseasesPhase 1/2NCT07622355

Effects of Different Administration Routes of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy

A Phase 1/2 study testing Dexmedetomidine (DEX) and Saline in people with Thyroid Diseases, run by The Second People's Hospital of Huai'an at 1 site in China.

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

Patients undergoing thyroid surgery often experience significant preoperative anxiety and show high concern about voice changes, scar formation and other related issues. Postoperative neck discomfort and dysphagia also tend to disrupt normal sleep. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
Conditions the study is for
Thyroid Diseases
What is being tested?
Dexmedetomidine (DEX) and Saline
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
120 participants
Where
1 siteChina
Study dates
5 Jan 2026to 30 Jun 2026
Phase
Phase 1/2
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

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 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Aged 18-65 years;
  • ASA physical status classification I-II;
  • BMI ranging from 18 to 30 kg/m²;
  • Scheduled for general anesthesia thyroidectomy for benign or malignant thyroid lesions;
  • No history of sedative or hypnotic medication within one week before surgery.

Who cannot join

  • History of sleep disturbance or psychiatric disorders;
  • Use of antidepressants, hypnotics or other sleep affecting medications;
  • Allergy to dexmedetomidine;
  • Nasal lesions or intolerance to intranasal spray administration;
  • Severe cardiac conduction block, bradycardia or hypotension;
  • Pregnant or lactating patients;
  • Complicated with severe dysfunction of heart, liver, brain, kidney or other organs;
  • Difficult airway encountered during anesthesia induction requiring modification of routine intubation strategy.o need to change the conventional intubation method

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

China1 site

  • The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an Second Hospital, Huaian

    Huai'an

Other trials in China

About this study

Official title: Effects of Different Preoperative Administration Routes of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Patients undergoing thyroid surgery often experience significant preoperative anxiety and show high concern about voice changes, scar formation and other related issues. Postoperative neck discomfort and dysphagia also tend to disrupt normal sleep. Dexmedetomidine activates α₂ receptors in the mesencephalic-pontine-medullary reticular formation, inhibits the release of norepinephrine, and induces a sleep state similar to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, particularly the N2 stage, which is closer to physiological sleep. This study aimed to explore the effects of intranasal spray versus intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine on postoperative sleep quality in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. By optimizing preoperative pharmacological intervention, it intends to improve patients' postoperative sleep quality, relieve pain and reduce postoperative adverse reactions, enhance recovery quality, and optimize patients' satisfaction and comfort level.

Read the detailed description

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different administration routes of dexmedetomidine on postoperative sleep quality in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. A total of 120 patients were randomized into three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio using computer-generated randomization and sealed opaque envelopes.

Group A (intranasal DEX group): 100 μg dexmedetomidine was administered via intranasal spray 30 min before surgery (alternating sprays into bilateral nasal cavities), accompanied by intravenous infusion of an equal volume of normal saline. Group B (intravenous DEX group): Dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg was intravenously infused 30 min before surgery with a 10 minute intravenous loading infusion, together with intranasal spray of an equal volume of normal saline. Group C (control group): An equal volume of normal saline was administered via both intranasal spray and intravenous route 30 min before surgery.

Patients, attending anesthesiologists, and outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation throughout the study. Intraoperative anesthesia management was performed by a separate anesthesiologist not involved in data assessment to maintain blinding. All patients received routine preoperative fasting and fluid deprivation. After entering the operating room, peripheral venous access was established and invasive arterial puncture was performed. Electrocardiography (ECG), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂), non invasive blood pressure (NIBP), invasive blood pressure (IBP), and bispectral index (BIS) were monitored.General anesthesia was induced with rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg, sufentanil 0.5 μg/kg, and propofol 1.5 mg/kg. Following induction, tracheal intubation was performed under video laryngoscopy, and the patient was connected to an anesthesia machine for mechanical ventilation. Ventilator settings: controlled ventilation with pure oxygen at 2.0 L/min, tidal volume 6-8 ml/kg, inspiratory-to-expiratory ratio 1:2, to maintain end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO₂) at 35-45 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa). During surgery, intravenous infusions of propofol (4-12 mg·kg-¹·h-¹) and remifentanil (0.2-0.4 μg·kg-¹·min-¹) were used to maintain appropriate depth of anesthesia (BIS maintained between 40 and 60). Vasopressor agents such as ephedrine and phenylephrine were administered according to intraoperative conditions. Immediately after the operation, patients were transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The tracheal tube was removed once consciousness and respiration recovered satisfactorily. Ketorolac tromethamine injection was administered for rescue analgesia when postoperative pain rescue was required.

Being tested
Dexmedetomidine (DEX), Saline
Medical subject headings
Thyroid Diseases

What participants receive

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

  • Dexmedetomidine (DEX)Drug

    Thirty minutes before surgery, 100 μg dexmedetomidine nasal spray was administered via alternating bilateral nostrils, with an equal volume of 0.9% normal saline pumped intravenously simultaneously.

  • Dexmedetomidine (DEX)Drug

    Thirty minutes before surgery, dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg is administered intravenously as a 10-minute loading dose, with an equal volume of 0.9% normal saline given via nasal spray simultaneously.

  • SalineDrug

    An equal volume of 0.9% normal saline is administered via both nasal spray and intravenous route.

Study groups in NCT07622355
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Dexmedetomidine Nasal Spray GroupExperimentalThirty minutes before surgery, 100 μg dexmedetomidine nasal spray was administered via alternating bilateral nostrils, with an equal volume of 0.9% normal saline pumped intravenously simultaneously.
Receives: Drug: Dexmedetomidine (DEX)
Dexmedetomidine Intravenous GroupExperimentalThirty minutes before surgery, dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg is administered intravenously as a 10-minute loading dose, with an equal volume of 0.9% normal saline given via nasal spray simultaneously.
Receives: Drug: Dexmedetomidine (DEX)
Control GroupPlacebo comparatorAn equal volume of 0.9% normal saline is administered via both nasal spray and intravenous route.
Receives: Drug: Saline

What is being measured

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

  1. Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire（RCSQ）

    This scale was developed by Richards et al. It is a simple self-report scale specifically designed for ICU patients, widely used in sleep assessment research in critical care medicine and post-anesthesia fields. The RCSQ includes 6 items: the first 5 are core scoring items, assessing sleep depth, difficulty in falling asleep, number of awakenings, ability to fall back asleep, and overall sleep quality respectively; the 6th is an environmental noise assessment item (not included in the total score, only for reference). Each core item uses a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS): the left end is 0 points (worst state), the right end is 100 points (best state), and the score is the distance from the left end to the subject's marked position. The total score is the arithmetic mean of the 5 core items (range 0-100 points), with higher scores indicating better sleep. Clinical grading: <50 points (poor), 50-69 points (moderate), ≥70 points (good).

    Measured: Postoperative day 0

Secondary outcomes (9)

  1. Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire（RCSQ）

    This scale was developed by Richards et al. It is a simple self-report scale specifically designed for ICU patients, widely used in sleep assessment research in critical care medicine and post-anesthesia fields. The RCSQ includes 6 items: the first 5 are core scoring items, assessing sleep depth, difficulty in falling asleep, number of awakenings, ability to fall back asleep, and overall sleep quality respectively; the 6th is an environmental noise assessment item (not included in the total score, only for reference). Each core item uses a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS): the left end is 0 points (worst state), the right end is 100 points (best state), and the score is the distance from the left end to the subject's marked position. The total score is the arithmetic mean of the 5 core items (range 0-100 points), with higher scores indicating better sleep. Clinical grading: <50 points (poor), 50-69 points (moderate), ≥70 points (good).

    Measured: Preoperative day 1，Postoperative day 1，Postoperative day 7

  2. The sleep data recorded by the Fitbit Charge 6 bracelet

    The sleep data recorded by the Fitbit Charge 6 bracelet includes total sleep duration, wake time, deep sleep duration .

    Measured: Preoperative day 1，Postoperative day 0，Postoperative day 1

  3. Visual Analog Scale（VAS）

    The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a tool used to assess the intensity of subjective symptoms (such as pain, itching, anxiety, etc.). Through a line of fixed length (usually 10 cm), patients mark the severity of their current symptoms based on their own feelings. The scale is a horizontal straight line, with "no symptoms" (0 points) marked at one end and "the most severe symptoms" (10 points) at the other end. Patients mark a position on the line that matches their symptoms, and the rater measures the distance from the starting point to the marked position, which is converted into a score ranging from 0 to 10 points. A score of 0 means no symptoms at all (e.g., no pain), 1-3 points indicate mild symptoms (not affecting daily life), 4-6 points indicate moderate symptoms (affecting life but tolerable), and 7-10 points indicate severe symptoms (intolerable and requiring urgent intervention).

    Measured: 6 Hours Post-Operative, 12 Hours Post-Operative, 24 Hours Post-Operative, 48 Hours Post-Operative

  4. Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale(RASS)

    The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) is a widely used tool to assess the level of sedation and agitation in patients. It ranges from +4 to -5, with specific descriptors for each score: +4 indicates combative behavior; +3 is extremely agitated; +2 means agitated and restless ; +1 denotes restless but calm; 0 represents alert and calm; -1 is drowsy; -2 indicates light sedation; -3 means moderate sedation; -4 is deep sedation ; and -5 represents unarousable. This scale helps clinicians objectively evaluate and adjust sedation levels to ensure patient comfort and safety.

    Measured: 6 Hours Post-Operative, 12 Hours Post-Operative, 24 Hours Post-Operative, 48 Hours Post-Operative

  5. The Quality of Recovery-15（QoR-15）

    The QoR-15 scale is divided into five dimensions: physical comfort (5 items), self-care (2 items), psychological support (2 items), emotional state (4 items), and pain (2 items), with each item rated on a scale of 0-10, and the total score ranging from 0-150, with the higher the score the better the quality of recovery, and a score of 118 and above indicating surgery.

    Measured: Preoperative day 1，Postoperative day 0，Postoperative day 1，Postoperative day 7

  6. Drug use

    Record the intraoperative consumption of propofol and remifentanil, the names and dosages of intraoperative vasoactive drugs, and the postoperative consumption of rescue analgesics (including PACU).

    Measured: Perioperative

  7. Hemodynamic indicators

    The perioperative blood pressure, heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) are important hemodynamic indicators for evaluating the patient's perioperative condition.

    Measured: on operating room admission (T0), immediately before intubation (T1), immediately after intubation (T2), at skin incision (T3), 30 min after surgical commencement (T4), at the end of surgery (T5), and immediately before extubation (T6).

  8. Time

    emergence time, PACU stay duration and hospital length-of-stay were recorded.

    Measured: Perioperative

  9. Adverse Reaction

    Record adverse reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, hoarseness, postoperative hemorrhage, dysphagia, xerostomia, and nasal dryness.

    Measured: 48 Hours After Surgery

Timeline

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

  1. First posted3 Jun 2026
  2. Study start5 Jan 2026
  3. Primary completion30 Jun 2026
  4. Study completion30 Jun 2026

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 1/2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
120 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07622355
Sponsor's protocol ID
0009-0001-3762-5246
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
13 May 2026
Last updated
11 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Wang L, Liang XQ, Sun YX, Hua Z, Wang DX. Effect of perioperative dexmedetomidine on sleep quality in adult patients after noncardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. PLoS One. 2024 Dec 5;19(12):e0314814. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0314814. eCollection 2024.

    PubMed 39636906

  • Maras Baydogan G, Surme Y, Kutuk Karasungur S. The challenges experienced by patients in the early period after thyroidectomy and the effects on sleep quality. Support Care Cancer. 2025 May 1;33(5):438. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09483-w.

    PubMed 40307526

  • Koo DL, Park Y, Nam H, Chai YJ. Sleep quality of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a prospective longitudinal study with 5-year follow-up. Sci Rep. 2022 Nov 5;12(1):18823. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-23549-3.

    PubMed 36335214

  • Liu H, Wei H, Qian S, Liu J, Xu W, Luo X, Fang J, Liu Q, Cai F. Effects of dexmedetomidine on postoperative sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Anesthesiol. 2023 Mar 21;23(1):88. doi: 10.1186/s12871-023-02048-6.

    PubMed 36944937

  • Wang Y, Jin Z, Xu W, Chen K, Wei L, Yang D, Deng X, Tong S. Clinical observation of dexmedetomidine nasal spray in the treatment of sleep disorders on the first night after undergoing maxillofacial surgery: a single-center double-blind randomized controlled study. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2023 Oct 3;26:11699. doi: 10.3389/jpps.2023.11699. eCollection 2023.

    PubMed 37854323

  • He J, Zhang X, Li C, Fu B, Huang Y, Li H. Dexmedetomidine nasal administration improves perioperative sleep quality and neurocognitive deficits in elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia. BMC Anesthesiol. 2024 Jan 30;24(1):42. doi: 10.1186/s12871-024-02417-9.

    PubMed 38291398

  • Wu J, Liu X, Ye C, Hu J, Ma D, Wang E. Intranasal dexmedetomidine improves postoperative sleep quality in older patients with chronic insomnia: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Front Pharmacol. 2023 Nov 16;14:1223746. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1223746. eCollection 2023.

    PubMed 38034987

  • Li X, Yan L, Wang L, Chen H, Yang B. Study on the preventive effect of dexmedetomidine on anesthetic associated sleep disturbance in young to middle-aged female patients undergoing hysteroscopy: a study protocol for a crossover randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2024 Jul 15;25(1):480. doi: 10.1186/s13063-024-08311-6.

    PubMed 39010171

  • Yang WY, Huang K, Lin ZJ, Zeng W, Liu X, Liu HB, Zhong ML, Wei J, Liang WD, Wang LF, Chen L. Intranasal Dexmedetomidine for the Management of Preoperative Anxiety-Related Insomnia: A Randomized, Three-Blinded, Clinical Trial Compared with Lorazepam and Placebo. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2024 Dec 17;18:6061-6073. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S487463. eCollection 2024.

    PubMed 39717197

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 1/2 study testing Dexmedetomidine (DEX) and Saline in people with Thyroid Diseases, run by The Second People's Hospital of Huai'an at 1 site in China.

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 5 inclusion and 8 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 11 Sep 2026. 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 China. 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 combined phase mean?

Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

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

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

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?

Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire（RCSQ） (time frame: Postoperative day 0). 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 NCT07622355, which also lists 9 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 11 Sep 2026.

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