Chronic Subdural HematomaPhase 4NCT07912203
Propofol Target-Controlled Infusion Versus Dexmedetomidine for Sedation During Chronic Subdural Hematoma Surgery Under Local Anesthesia
A Phase 4 study testing Dexmedetomidine and Propofol (Astra-Zeneca) in people with Chronic Subdural Hematoma, run by National Institute of Neurology, Tunisia.
Trial summary
Chronic subdural hematoma is a collection of old blood on the surface of the brain that mainly affects older adults. It is often treated by draining the blood through a small hole in the skull (burr hole), under local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation while the patient keeps breathing spontaneously. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Subdural Hematoma
- What is being tested?
- Dexmedetomidine and Propofol (Astra-Zeneca)
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Nov 2026to 30 Apr 2027
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18 years or older
- Confirmed diagnosis of unilateral chronic subdural hematoma scheduled for burr-hole surgery under local anesthesia with sedation
- Glasgow Coma Scale score ≥ 13
- Baseline Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score of 0 or -1 before any sedation
- ASA physical status I to III
- Written informed consent signed by the patient
Who cannot join
- Refusal to participate
- Allergy or contraindication to propofol or dexmedetomidine
- Major cognitive impairment preventing understanding of instructions
- Receptive aphasia preventing RASS assessment
- Baseline heart rate < 50 beats per minute
- Second- or third-degree atrioventricular block without a pacemaker
Show all 10Show fewer
- ASA III with decompensated respiratory disease (COPD on long-term oxygen therapy, severe asthma)
- Body mass index > 35 kg/m²
- Inability to understand the language without an available interpreter
- Participation in another clinical trial
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Propofol Versus Dexmedetomidine for Sedation During Chronic Subdural Hematoma Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Chronic subdural hematoma is a collection of old blood on the surface of the brain that mainly affects older adults. It is often treated by draining the blood through a small hole in the skull (burr hole), under local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation while the patient keeps breathing spontaneously. Propofol and dexmedetomidine are the two sedatives most commonly used for this purpose.
This randomized pilot study will compare how well each drug maintains a moderate and stable level of sedation during surgery. Sixty adults will be randomly assigned to receive either propofol by target-controlled infusion or dexmedetomidine. The main outcome is the percentage of surgical time spent at the target sedation level, defined as a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score between -2 and -3.
The study will also compare the time needed to reach the target sedation, breathing and cardiovascular side effects, sedation failures, recovery time, and surgeon and anesthesiologist satisfaction. The results will be used to estimate the sample size of a future confirmatory trial.
Read the detailed description
Design: single-center, prospective, randomized (1:1), controlled, parallel-group pilot trial.
Randomization: computer-generated list in fixed blocks of 4, prepared by a person not involved in the study. Allocations are concealed in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes opened in strict order in the operating room immediately before sedation starts.
Masking: the patient, the surgeon, and the postoperative outcome assessor are blinded to group allocation; the syringe and infusion line are covered with an opaque sleeve. The anesthesiologist, who administers the sedative and scores the intraoperative RASS, is not blinded.
Standardized sequence (identical in both arms): T0 start of sedative and sufentanil 5 µg IV; T0 + 10 min lidocaine 2% with epinephrine infiltration by the surgeon (maximum 5 mg/kg); T1 skin incision; T2 burr hole drilling; T3 end of skin closure and discontinuation of the sedative in both arms; T4 modified Aldrete score ≥ 9.
Sedation monitoring: RASS scored before sedation and every 5 minutes using a standardized procedure. Target sedation: RASS -2 to -3. If RASS ≥ +1, a cause (pain, hypoxia, bladder distension, position) is sought and treated before increasing the sedative.
Sedation failure: dose ceiling reached for at least 10 min with RASS > -2 on two consecutive assessments; persistent agitation (RASS ≥ +2 on two consecutive assessments); rescue with a non-protocol sedative; conversion to general anesthesia or intubation; persistent desaturation (SpO2 < 92% for ≥ 30 s despite oxygen and airway maneuvers); or major hemodynamic instability requiring discontinuation of the sedative or continuous vasopressors.
Statistical analysis: modified intention-to-treat population (all randomized patients who received at least one dose of the study drug), with a supportive per-protocol analysis. After a sedation failure, all remaining time until T3 is counted as outside the target. Comparisons are exploratory and reported with 95% confidence intervals. Hemodynamic changes are analyzed using summary measures per patient.
Sample size: no data exist on the primary outcome in this setting; 30 patients per group were chosen according to published recommendations for pilot trials (Julious 2005; Whitehead 2016). Feasibility criteria: recruitment of ≥ 8 patients per month, ≥ 70% of eligible patients randomized, titration algorithm followed in ≥ 80% of patients, and complete primary outcome data in ≥ 90%.
- Conditions
- Chronic Subdural Hematoma
- Being tested
- Dexmedetomidine, Propofol (Astra-Zeneca)
- Keywords
- dexmedetomidine, propofol, Target-controlled infusion, Conscious sedation, Monitored anesthesia care, Burr hole, Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale
- Medical subject headings
- Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
DexmedetomidineDrug
Also called Precedex
Loading dose of 1 µg/kg over 10 minutes, then 0.6 µg/kg/h. Increased by 0.2 µg/kg/h every 10 minutes if RASS > -2; decreased by 0.2 µg/kg/h if RASS = -4; temporarily stopped if RASS = -5, apnea or airway obstruction, and restarted at a rate reduced by 0.2 µg/kg/h once RASS ≥ -3. Range 0.2 to 1.0 µg/kg/h. Stopped at the end of skin closure.
Propofol (Astra-Zeneca)Drug
Also called diprivan
Target-controlled infusion (Schnider model, effect-site mode) started at an effect-site concentration of 1.0 µg/mL. Increased by 0.3 µg/mL every 5 minutes if RASS > -2; decreased by 0.3 µg/mL if RASS = -4 and by 0.5 µg/mL if RASS = -5, apnea, or airway obstruction. Maximum 3.0 µg/mL. No manual boluses. Stopped at the end of skin closure.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| dexmedetomidine | Experimental | Dexmedetomidine sedation titrated to a RASS of -2 to -3, combined with lidocaine 2% with epinephrine infiltration and a single dose of sufentanil 5 µg IV, for burr-hole surgery under local anesthesia with spontaneous breathing. Receives: Drug: Dexmedetomidine |
| propofol | Active comparator | Propofol sedation by target-controlled infusion titrated to a RASS of -2 to -3, combined with lidocaine 2% with epinephrine infiltration and a single dose of sufentanil 5 µg IV, for burr-hole surgery under local anesthesia with spontaneous breathing. Receives: Drug: Propofol (Astra-Zeneca) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Percentage of time within target sedation
Percentage of the time between skin incision and end of skin closure spent with a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score between -2 and -3 (scale range -5 [unarousable] to +4 [combative]). RASS is scored every 5 minutes; each score is assumed valid until the next one. After a sedation failure, all remaining time is counted as outside the target.
Measured: Intraoperative, from skin incision to end of skin closure (approximately 1 hour)
Secondary outcomes (6)
Time to target sedation
Time from the start of the sedative to the first RASS score between -2 and -3, in minutes.
Measured: From start of sedation until target sedation is first reached (up to 1 hour)
Surgeon and anesthesiologist satisfaction
Satisfaction rated by the surgeon and by the anesthesiologist on a 5-point Likert scale (from very satisfied to very dissatisfied).
Measured: Immediately after the end of skin closure
Recovery time
Time from discontinuation of the sedative to a modified Aldrete score ≥ 9 (or return to baseline neurological status in patients with hemiparesis), in minutes.
Measured: From end of surgery until recovery, assessed up to 2 hours
Incidence of respiratory adverse events
Number of patients with apnea (> 20 s), hypoventilation (respiratory rate < 8/min or loss of the capnography waveform), desaturation (SpO2 < 92% for ≥ 30 s), upper airway obstruction or need for ventilatory assistance.
Measured: From start of sedation until discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit (up to 4 hours)
Incidence of hemodynamic adverse events
Number of patients with bradycardia (heart rate < 50 bpm), hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg or decrease > 25% from baseline) or hypertension (systolic pressure > 160 mmHg or increase > 20% from baseline), and need for corrective treatment.
Measured: From start of sedation until end of surgery (approximately 1 hour)
Sedation failure rate
Proportion of patients with efficacy failure (dose ceiling with RASS > -2, persistent agitation, non-protocol rescue sedative) or procedural failure (conversion to general anesthesia, persistent desaturation, major hemodynamic instability).
Measured: Intraoperative (approximately 1 hour)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Nov 2026
- Study start1 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Apr 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Subdural HematomaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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 4
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National Institute of Neurology, Tunisia
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hammami Rabeb, National Institute of Neurology, Tunisia
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07912203
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- INNMBHN-16/2026
- Other IDs
- approval number 16/2026
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 3 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared publicly; anonymized data may be made available upon reasonable request to the principal investigator.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Propofol Versus Dexmedetomidine for Sedation During Chronic Subdural Hematoma Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07912203
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- INNMBHN-16/2026
- Conditions
- Chronic Subdural Hematoma
- Keywords
- dexmedetomidine, propofol, Target-controlled infusion, Conscious sedation, Monitored anesthesia care, Burr hole, Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- National Institute of Neurology, TunisiaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 3 Nov 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Chronic subdural hematoma is a collection of old blood on the surface of the brain that mainly affects older adults. It is often treated by draining the blood through a small hole in the skull (burr hole), under local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation while the patient keeps breathing spontaneously. Propofol and dexmedetomidine are the two sedatives most commonly used for this purpose.
This randomized pilot study will compare how well each drug maintains a moderate and stable level of sedation during surgery. Sixty adults will be randomly assigned to receive either propofol by target-controlled infusion or dexmedetomidine. The main outcome is the percentage of surgical time spent at the target sedation level, defined as a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score between -2 and -3.
The study will also compare the time needed to reach the target sedation, breathing and cardiovascular side effects, sedation failures, recovery time, and surgeon and anesthesiologist satisfaction. The results will be used to estimate the sample size of a future confirmatory trial.
Detailed description
Design: single-center, prospective, randomized (1:1), controlled, parallel-group pilot trial.
Randomization: computer-generated list in fixed blocks of 4, prepared by a person not involved in the study. Allocations are concealed in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes opened in strict order in the operating room immediately before sedation starts.
Masking: the patient, the surgeon, and the postoperative outcome assessor are blinded to group allocation; the syringe and infusion line are covered with an opaque sleeve. The anesthesiologist, who administers the sedative and scores the intraoperative RASS, is not blinded.
Standardized sequence (identical in both arms): T0 start of sedative and sufentanil 5 µg IV; T0 + 10 min lidocaine 2% with epinephrine infiltration by the surgeon (maximum 5 mg/kg); T1 skin incision; T2 burr hole drilling; T3 end of skin closure and discontinuation of the sedative in both arms; T4 modified Aldrete score ≥ 9.
Sedation monitoring: RASS scored before sedation and every 5 minutes using a standardized procedure. Target sedation: RASS -2 to -3. If RASS ≥ +1, a cause (pain, hypoxia, bladder distension, position) is sought and treated before increasing the sedative.
Sedation failure: dose ceiling reached for at least 10 min with RASS > -2 on two consecutive assessments; persistent agitation (RASS ≥ +2 on two consecutive assessments); rescue with a non-protocol sedative; conversion to general anesthesia or intubation; persistent desaturation (SpO2 < 92% for ≥ 30 s despite oxygen and airway maneuvers); or major hemodynamic instability requiring discontinuation of the sedative or continuous vasopressors.
Statistical analysis: modified intention-to-treat population (all randomized patients who received at least one dose of the study drug), with a supportive per-protocol analysis. After a sedation failure, all remaining time until T3 is counted as outside the target. Comparisons are exploratory and reported with 95% confidence intervals. Hemodynamic changes are analyzed using summary measures per patient.
Sample size: no data exist on the primary outcome in this setting; 30 patients per group were chosen according to published recommendations for pilot trials (Julious 2005; Whitehead 2016). Feasibility criteria: recruitment of ≥ 8 patients per month, ≥ 70% of eligible patients randomized, titration algorithm followed in ≥ 80% of patients, and complete primary outcome data in ≥ 90%.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| dexmedetomidine | Experimental | Drug: DexmedetomidineDexmedetomidine sedation titrated to a RASS of -2 to -3, combined with lidocaine 2% with epinephrine infiltration and a single dose of sufentanil 5 µg IV, for burr-hole surgery under local anesthesia with spontaneous breathing. |
| propofol | Active comparator | Drug: Propofol (Astra-Zeneca)Propofol sedation by target-controlled infusion titrated to a RASS of -2 to -3, combined with lidocaine 2% with epinephrine infiltration and a single dose of sufentanil 5 µg IV, for burr-hole surgery under local anesthesia with spontaneous breathing. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age 18 years or older
- Confirmed diagnosis of unilateral chronic subdural hematoma scheduled for burr-hole surgery under local anesthesia with sedation
- Glasgow Coma Scale score ≥ 13
- Baseline Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score of 0 or -1 before any sedation
- ASA physical status I to III
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Refusal to participate
- Allergy or contraindication to propofol or dexmedetomidine
- Major cognitive impairment preventing understanding of instructions
- Receptive aphasia preventing RASS assessment
- Baseline heart rate < 50 beats per minute
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| DexmedetomidineAlso: PrecedexLoading dose of 1 µg/kg over 10 minutes, then 0.6 µg/kg/h. Increased by 0.2 µg/kg/h every 10 minutes if RASS > -2; decreased by 0.2 µg/kg/h if RASS = -4; temporarily stopped if RASS = -5, apnea or airway obstruction, and restarted at a rate reduced by 0.2 µg/kg/h once RASS ≥ -3. Range 0.2 to 1.0 µg/kg/h. Stopped at the end of skin closure. | Drug | dexmedetomidine |
| Propofol (Astra-Zeneca)Also: diprivanTarget-controlled infusion (Schnider model, effect-site mode) started at an effect-site concentration of 1.0 µg/mL. Increased by 0.3 µg/mL every 5 minutes if RASS > -2; decreased by 0.3 µg/mL if RASS = -4 and by 0.5 µg/mL if RASS = -5, apnea, or airway obstruction. Maximum 3.0 µg/mL. No manual boluses. Stopped at the end of skin closure. | Drug | propofol |
Primary outcome
Percentage of time within target sedation
Time frame: Intraoperative, from skin incision to end of skin closure (approximately 1 hour)
Percentage of the time between skin incision and end of skin closure spent with a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score between -2 and -3 (scale range -5 [unarousable] to +4 [combative]). RASS is scored every 5 minutes; each score is assumed valid until the next one. After a sedation failure, all remaining time is counted as outside the target.
6 secondary outcomes
Time to target sedation
Time frame: From start of sedation until target sedation is first reached (up to 1 hour)
Surgeon and anesthesiologist satisfaction
Time frame: Immediately after the end of skin closure
Recovery time
Time frame: From end of surgery until recovery, assessed up to 2 hours
Incidence of respiratory adverse events
Time frame: From start of sedation until discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit (up to 4 hours)
Incidence of hemodynamic adverse events
Time frame: From start of sedation until end of surgery (approximately 1 hour)
Sedation failure rate
Time frame: Intraoperative (approximately 1 hour)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Nov 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared publicly; anonymized data may be made available upon reasonable request to the principal investigator.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 4 study testing Dexmedetomidine and Propofol (Astra-Zeneca) in people with Chronic Subdural Hematoma, run by National Institute of Neurology, Tunisia.
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 6 inclusion and 10 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. 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 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Rabeb Hammami, Assistant Professor (56442412 ext. +216, hammamirabeb2@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Percentage of time within target sedation (time frame: Intraoperative, from skin incision to end of skin closure (approximately 1 hour)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 3 Nov 2026.