GUTHRIE TO PARTICIPATE IN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TRAUMA MANAGEMENT STUDY
April 30 2024 - 10:47AM
Despite its reputation as a lethal substance contributing to the
current opioid crisis, fentanyl plays a crucial role in the medical
field, managing acute pain effectively for severely injured trauma
patients.
The Guthrie Clinic announced today that it is one
of nine health care sites in the country participating in the
University of Pittsburgh-led Prehospital Analgesia INtervention
(PAIN) Trial, to determine if giving fentanyl or low dose ketamine
to trauma patients with pain in mild shock affects health outcomes.
While fentanyl offers substantial relief from intense pain, it may
cause a reduction in blood pressure and disrupt normal breathing
patterns, potentially resulting in respiratory issues.
The 4-year, multi-center study began in the fall
of 2023 and assesses if ketamine, an anesthetic that relieves pain
without affecting breathing reflexes, can be a safer option for
patients. The medication will be given in an ambulance on the way
to the hospital.
“Both ketamine and fentanyl are used by Emergency
Medical Services as standard treatment for pain management,” said
Dr. Jason Sperry, Professor of Surgery at Pitt, UPMC trauma surgeon
and a principal investigator for the study. “Fentanyl is associated
with addiction and low blood pressure. Ketamine may have some
complications, including hallucinations, anxiety, and a feeling of
disconnectedness, but may be more beneficial to some patients and
lessen exposure and risks to opioids,” Dr. Sperry added. “The goal
is to help the military to provide the best care for injured
personnel, help determine the best pain medicine and determine what
are the best short and long-term outcomes when comparing these
medications,’ he said.
The trial is part of the Linking Investigations in
Trauma and Emergency Services (LITES) Network, which conducts
research funded by the US Department of Defense, to inform clinical
practice guidelines and update the existing standards for the care
of traumatic injuries. The study will enroll about 1000 random
trauma patients (randomizing them to fentanyl or ketamine) from
nine health care sites in the LITES Network in the United States.
Patients are expected to participate in the study for up to six
months.
“Guthrie is proud to participate in the PAIN Trial. Our
commitment to advancing health care and patient safety aligns
perfectly with the goals of this important study,” said Dr. Chris
Berry, Guthrie emergency medicine physician and site primary
investigator for the study. “As a Level 1 Trauma Center, Robert
Packer Hospital is uniquely positioned to contribute valuable
insights and data to this research. Our participation underscores
Guthrie’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing
the field of emergency medicine," he added.
Anyone may opt-out of the study by contacting the
research team at 1-800-664-0557 or email PAINStudy@edc.pitt.edu to
receive an opt out “NO PAIN Study” bracelet. For more information
visit ClincialTrials.gov and refer to NCT05437575. Opting out will
not prevent trauma patients from receiving pain medication, only
from enrollment in the study.
This research is supported by DoD contract
W81XWH-16-D-0024 W81XWH-19-F-0539. Any opinions or recommendations
expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not
necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Defense.
Media Availability: Dr. Chris Berry can be made available
for interviews. Email Steven.Osterhaus@guthrie.org to make a
request.
The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit multispecialty
health system integrating clinical and hospital care along with
research and education. Headquartered in Sayre, Pennsylvania, The
Guthrie Clinic stands as one of the nation's longest established
group practices, founded in 1910 by the visionary Dr. Donald
Guthrie. The organization's patient-centered approach revolves
around a clinically-integrated network of employed providers. Among
The Guthrie Clinic’s more than 9,000 caregivers are close to 1,000
highly skilled physicians and advanced practice providers
representing the spectrum of medical specialties and
sub-specialties. Situated across 10,000 square miles in
northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York, The Guthrie
Clinic's comprehensive six hospital campuses also encompass an
expansive network of outpatient facilities across 13 counties.
Post-acute care includes acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing,
personal care home, home care and hospice services, completing the
continuum of care. With a commitment to shaping the future of
health care, the organization offers eleven residencies and five
fellowships, serving as a training ground for the next generation
of leaders in the field. Visit us at www.Guthrie.org. Follow us at
Twitter.com/GuthrieClinic, Facebook.com/TheGuthrieClinic,
Linkedin.com/company/TheGuthrieClinic, and
Instagram.com/TheGuthrieClinic.
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Kathy Cramer
Guthrie
570-887-4415
kathy.cramer@guthrie.org