A clinical trial is underway at University of Utah Health and other sites to evaluate the effectiveness of ketamine versus fentanyl for pain management in prehospital settings. The study aims to determine if ketamine can provide comparable or superior analgesia with fewer side effects and improved patient outcomes compared to the commonly used opioid, fentanyl.
Addressing Opioid Risks in Acute Pain Management
Opioids like fentanyl are frequently used to treat severe pain, but they carry risks such as decreased oxygen levels, reduced blood pressure, slowed breathing, and the potential for addiction. Ketamine, a non-opioid alternative, has demonstrated a low incidence of adverse effects and is not associated with respiratory depression. Research suggests it may even improve blood pressure in certain contexts.
Trial Objectives and Design
The primary objective of the trial is to compare the two medications to assess whether patients experience less pain and fewer side effects, and achieve faster recovery with one drug over the other. Early administration of pain medication to trauma patients is crucial for alleviating suffering and promoting positive outcomes. Grace Youn, senior clinical research coordinator of the PAIN trial at University of Utah Health, emphasized the potential impact of the study, stating, "Pain management is a critical aspect of emergency medical care, and this trial has the potential to reshape how we approach analgesia for injured patients in prehospital settings, ultimately enhancing patient comfort and outcomes."
Potential Impact on Emergency Medical Care
If ketamine proves to be a safe and effective alternative to fentanyl in this setting, it could lead to significant changes in prehospital pain management protocols, reducing reliance on opioids and mitigating associated risks.
