This double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm pilot trial (n=20) will investigate the efficacy of intravenous ketamine (0.5 mg/kg IV) versus saline for emergency department treatment of suicidal ideation in adolescents.
Suicidal ideation is common in Canadian adolescents and a frequent reason for emergency department presentation; there are currently no rapid-acting ED treatments for acute suicidal ideation in youth.
This pilot study aims to assess feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a single IV ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg, max 50 mg) compared with saline placebo for reducing suicidal ideation in 12–17-year-olds presenting to a paediatric ED.
Design: randomized, quadruple-blind, parallel-group trial (n≈20) with acute assessment of suicidal ideation and short-term follow-up to inform larger paediatric trials and potential ED implementation.
IV ketamine 0.5 mg/kg (max 50 mg) infused over 40 minutes.
1 mg/mL solution; 50 mg maximum; infusion over 40 minutes.
IV normal saline volume-matched placebo (0.5 mL/kg, max 50 mL) over 40 minutes.
Volume-matched normal saline placebo; 50 mL maximum; infusion over 40 minutes.