Ketamine and Dexmedetomidine for Delirium in Joint Arthroplasty

Launched by ISTINYE UNIVERSITY · Apr 30, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating whether two medications, ketamine and dexmedetomidine, can help prevent confusion and memory problems after surgery in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacements. These issues, known as postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction, can be common in older adults after major surgeries. The study will involve 80 adult patients aged 18 to 100 who are scheduled for this type of surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments: a saline solution (placebo), ketamine, dexmedetomidine, or a combination of both.

To be eligible for the trial, individuals must be scheduled for elective joint surgery and in generally good health (ASA physical status I-III). However, those with existing cognitive issues or certain health conditions, like severe liver or kidney problems, will not be included. Throughout the study, participants will undergo simple cognitive tests before and after their surgery to assess their mental function and any signs of confusion. This trial aims to understand if these medications can improve recovery and reduce the risk of cognitive problems after surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Scheduled for elective total joint arthroplasty (hip or knee)
• • ASA physical status I-III
• • Age between 18 and 100 years
• • Ability to provide informed consent and comply with cognitive assessments
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pre-existing cognitive dysfunction or diagnosed neurodegenerative disease
• • Hearing or language impairment interfering with MMSE/CAM evaluation
• • Known allergy to ketamine or dexmedetomidine
• • Significant cardiac arrhythmia (e.g., supraventricular tachycardia, 2nd or 3rd degree AV block)
• • Renal insufficiency (GFR \<30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
• • Severe hepatic dysfunction