Reducing Pain With Methadone and Ketamine in Liver Transplant

Launched by LAHEY CLINIC · Mar 7, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating whether using two medications, methadone and ketamine, during liver transplants can help reduce pain after surgery. Researchers want to find out if these medications not only lower pain levels but also affect mental confusion, known as delirium, that some patients may experience after the surgery. Participants in the trial will either receive methadone and ketamine or the standard treatment during their liver transplant and will be monitored throughout their hospital stay.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be adults aged 18 and older who are having a liver transplant from a deceased donor. Certain patients, such as those with specific health conditions or a history of psychiatric disorders and substance abuse, may not qualify. This study is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to provide valuable information about improving pain management and recovery for liver transplant patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult patients ≥ 18 years of age at the time of LT.
• • Undergoing LT from a deceased donor.
• • Written informed consent obtained from subject or subject's legal representative and ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).
• • Split liver transplantation (isolated right or left lobe).
• • Acute liver failure (ALF) as the indication for LT.
• • Simultaneous liver and kidney Transplant (SLK)
• • Repeat liver transplant
• • Sedation or high vasopressor use
• • Subject is intubated and/or mechanically ventilated prior to entering the operating room for LT.
• • Severe hepatic encephalopathy
• • History of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar mood disorders
• • History of substance abuse or opioid maintenance therapies
• • Any history of allergic reaction to methadone or ketamine
• • History of prolonged QT syndrome or QTc in preoperative setting
• • Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data