Dexamethasone for Chronic Pain After Thoracic Surgery
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are currently taking cortisone, dexamethasone, or chronic opioid medications, you cannot participate in this trial. The protocol does not specify about other medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Dexamethasone for chronic pain after thoracic surgery?
Is dexamethasone generally safe for humans?
Dexamethasone is commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery and has been studied for pain relief. Some studies have explored its effects on pain and side effects, but the safety of a single dose is still being evaluated. It is known to be a potent anti-inflammatory and antiemetic (prevents nausea and vomiting) drug.12346
How is the drug dexamethasone unique for treating chronic pain after thoracic surgery?
Dexamethasone is unique because it is not only used to reduce inflammation but also helps in managing pain and preventing nausea and vomiting after surgery. It can be administered before surgery to help reduce pain and the need for other pain medications like morphine, making it a versatile option for postoperative care.12357
What is the purpose of this trial?
Post thoracotomy pain syndrome still affects 50% of patients after a thoracic surgery. Pathogenesis is unclear but there is growing evidence that neuro inflammation may play a significant role. Dexamethasone is a very potent anti-inflammatory drug. The hypothesis of this study is that dexamethasone, given pre operatively, would help reduce the incidence of post thoracotomy pain syndrome 3 months after surgery, by reducing the inflammatory response, in patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery that includes thoracic epidural analgesia.
Research Team
Veronique Brulotte, MD, MSc
Principal Investigator
Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 18-75 who are scheduled for elective thoracic surgery with a specific type of incision and pain relief method. It's not open to those already on cortisone or dexamethasone, anyone refusing participation, patients with conditions that don't allow the planned pain relief approach, or those on long-term opioid treatment.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-operative Treatment
Participants receive either dexamethasone 10 mg or normal saline intravenously pre-incision
Post-operative Monitoring
Participants are monitored for post thoracotomy pain syndrome and inflammatory response
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
- Inflammation
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory diseases
- Skin conditions
- Eye diseases
- Immune system disorders
- Inflammatory conditions
- Allergic states
- Respiratory diseases
- Blood disorders
- Neoplastic diseases
- Nervous system disorders
- Inflammation
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory diseases
- Skin conditions
- Eye diseases
- Inflammatory conditions
- Allergic states
- Respiratory diseases
- Blood disorders
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital
Lead Sponsor