This Phase III interventional trial (n=140) evaluates whether continuous low-dose ketamine infusion reduces morphine consumption by ≥25% at 48 hours in severe trauma patients versus placebo.
Randomised, parallel-group, quadruple-blind Phase III trial comparing low-dose ketamine (bolus 0.1 mg/kg then 0.15 mg/kg/hr infusion for 48 hours) with placebo in traumatic patients to reduce opioid consumption.
Primary outcome is reduction in opioid (morphine) consumption at 48 hours; analgesia non-inferiority and safety/tolerability will also be assessed.
Bolus then continuous low-dose ketamine infusion for 48 hours.
Bolus 0.1 mg/kg then continuous infusion 0.15 mg/kg/hour for 48 hours.
Saline bolus then saline infusion for 48 hours (placebo comparator).
Saline bolus 0.1 mg/kg then saline infusion 0.15 mg/kg/hour for 48 hours (per protocol description).