Perioperative Dexmedetomidine to Reduce Post-procedure Grief Following Second-trimester Dilation and Evacuation

Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Phase 2 & 3
Sponsor: Stanford University
Prior Safety DataThis treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

People seeking second-trimester dilation and evacuation (D\&E) procedures are often facing profoundly challenging circumstances, including desired pregnancies complicated by fetal anomalies or demise, serious maternal health conditions, or changes in financial or relationship status. Although abortion regret is uncommon, the emotional burden surrounding these experiences is substantial: many patients experience significant grief and post-traumatic stress symptoms in the weeks to months following care. Perioperative interventions that decrease the body's stress response offer a promising opportunity to reduce downstream psychologic morbidity. Dexmedetomidine has been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms in other high-stress medical and surgical settings. The investigators are undertaking a randomized trial to evaluate whether perioperative administration of dexmedetomidine during second-trimester D\&E can reduce the frequency and severity of post-procedural grief, directly addressing an unmet need in patient-centered, trauma-informed abortion care.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

* English- or Spanish-fluency
* 16-26 weeks gestation
* D\&E in the operating room

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: DexmedetomidineExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
2,527
Recruited
17,430,000+