Could ketamine beat opioids for sickle cell pain in kids?

NCT ID NCT07682662

First seen Jul 06, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a low-dose ketamine injection can relieve pain in children with sickle cell disease during a pain crisis better than standard opioid medications. Researchers will compare how quickly pain improves and whether fewer children need to be admitted to the hospital after receiving ketamine. The trial involves children arriving at the emergency department with sickle cell pain, who will receive ketamine alongside usual pain relievers like Tylenol and Toradol.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
low-dose ketamine
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a faster, safer pain relief option for children with sickle cell disease during a pain crisis, potentially reducing hospital stays.
What could go wrong
This is a single-center study, and ketamine may cause side effects like drowsiness or blood pressure changes. It may not work better than opioids for all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Mississippi Medical Center, Pediatric Emergency Department

    Jackson, Mississippi, 39216, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact

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