New pain relief approach for broken ribs shows promise in cutting opioid use
NCT ID NCT05321121
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a drug called dexmedetomidine can help control pain and reduce the need for strong painkillers (opioids) in people with three or more broken ribs from blunt chest injuries. 41 adults in the ICU took part. The goal was to see if the drug could lower pain scores and morphine use over 48 hours.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
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41 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2021
- Finished
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Oct 2023
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Blunt trauma patients * \> 3 rib fractures * Admission to the ICU Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria: * Younger than 18 * Pregnant * Prisoners * History of adverse reaction to dexmedetomidine * GCS \< 14 * Acute CHF exacerbation * Bradycardia or heart block (HR \<55) * Hypotension (SBP \< 90mmHg or MAP \< 65mmHg) * Current opioid use (\>30mg OME/day) * Inability to communicate with staff (dementia) * Cirrhosis or chronic liver dysfunction (Child Pugh class C)
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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
Locations
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University of California, Irvine
Orange, California, 92868, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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