Image

Effects of Esketamine on Postoperative Behavioral Changes in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy

Effects of Esketamine on Postoperative Behavioral Changes in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy

Recruiting
3-7 years
All
Phase 4

Powered by AI

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn the effect of intravenous esketamine in postoperative negative behavior changes in children compared to placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug). It will also learn about the effect of esketamine in emergence delirium. The main questions are:

Dose esketamine lower the incidence of postoperative negative behavior changes compared to placebo? Dose esketamine lower the incidence of emergence delirium compared to placebo? Researchers will compare esketamine to placebo to see if esketamine works to treat postoperative negative behavior change and emergence delirium.

Participants will:

Receive intravenous esketamine or placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) during anesthesia induction; Fill in the Post hospitalization behavior questionnaire for ambulatory surgery postoperative 1, 7, and 30

Description

Approximately half of children who undergo general anesthesia experience emergence delirium (ED) and postoperative negative behavioral changes (PNBC). There was a positive correlation between delirium during recovery and the change in negative behaviour after the operation.

Esketamine has sedative, analgesic and anti-traumatic stress effects. Based on literature analysis and preliminary trials, this study suggests that intraoperative use of low-dose esketamine may reduce the incidence of emergence delirium and postoperative negative behavior changes in children.

This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effect of intravenous esketamine in the incidence of emergence delirium and postoperative negative behavior changes in children compared to placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to provide a reference for optimizing clinical anesthesia medication regimens.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

  • American society of Aneshesiologists physical status I or II;
  • Aged 3-7 years;
  • Scheduled for elective tonsillectomy and (or) adenoidectomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Parents refusing to allow their children to participate;
  • Intake of sedative or analgesic medication within 48 hours before surgery;
  • Developmental delay;
  • Psychosis;
  • Body mass index > 30 kg/m2;
  • Allergy to study drugs;
  • Major life changes 1 month before the operation, such as the divorce of parents, death of parents, moving to a new home, changing to a new kindergarten, etc.;
  • Any other conditions that precluded study inclusion.

Study details
    Behavior Problem

NCT06579937

Fujian Provincial Hospital

15 October 2025

Step 1 Get in touch with the nearest study center
We have submitted the contact information you provided to the research team at {{SITE_NAME}}. A copy of the message has been sent to your email for your records.
Would you like to be notified about other trials? Sign up for Patient Notification Services.
Sign up

Send a message

Enter your contact details to connect with study team

Investigator Avatar

Primary Contact

  Other languages supported:

First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone number*
Other language

FAQs

Learn more about clinical trials

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study designed to test specific interventions or treatments' effectiveness and safety, paving the way for new, innovative healthcare solutions.

Why should I take part in a clinical trial?

Participating in a clinical trial provides early access to potentially effective treatments and directly contributes to the healthcare advancements that benefit us all.

How long does a clinical trial take place?

The duration of clinical trials varies. Some trials last weeks, some years, depending on the phase and intention of the trial.

Do I get compensated for taking part in clinical trials?

Compensation varies per trial. Some offer payment or reimbursement for time and travel, while others may not.

How safe are clinical trials?

Clinical trials follow strict ethical guidelines and protocols to safeguard participants' health. They are closely monitored and safety reviewed regularly.
Add a private note
  • abc Select a piece of text.
  • Add notes visible only to you.
  • Send it to people through a passcode protected link.