Actively Recruiting
Dexamethasone vs Dexmedetomidine vs Combination as Adjuvants to Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block in Children
Led by Poznan University of Medical Sciences · Updated on 2026-02-02
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
54 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This clinical study will evaluate three commonly used medications that can be added to local anesthetic during a popliteal sciatic nerve block in children undergoing surgery of the lower leg or foot. These medications-dexamethasone, dexmedetomidine, or a combination of both-may help the nerve block last longer and provide better postoperative pain control. All participating children will receive a standard popliteal sciatic nerve block with ropivacaine, a commonly used local anesthetic. They will then be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) ropivacaine with dexamethasone, (2) ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine, or (3) ropivacaine with both dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine. Neither the children, parents, nor the clinical staff assessing pain will know which medication was given. The goal of this study is to determine whether the combination of dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine provides longer pain relief and reduces the need for additional pain medication compared with either medication alone. The results may help identify the most effective and safest strategy for improving postoperative comfort in pediatric patients receiving regional anesthesia.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Dexamethasone vs Dexmedetomidine vs Combination as Adjuvants to Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block in Children
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Children aged 3 to 12 years
- Scheduled for elective unilateral lower limb surgery (foot, ankle, or distal lower leg) with planned popliteal sciatic nerve block
- ASA physical status I-III
- Parents or legal guardians understand study procedures and provide written consent
- Child and parents/guardians available for telephone follow-up at 1 week and 1 month after surgery
You will not qualify if you...
- Parents/legal guardians refuse consent or child refuses cooperation with anesthesia or study
- Known allergy or sensitivity to ropivacaine, dexamethasone, dexmedetomidine, or study medication components
- Pre-existing neurological or neuromuscular disease affecting lower limbs
- Coagulopathy or current anticoagulation contraindicating regional anesthesia
- Local infection, inflammation, or skin lesions at the block site
- Severe heart, liver, kidney, or lung disease increasing study risk
- History of significant arrhythmias, severe bradycardia, or untreated advanced heart block
- Developmental delay or cognitive impairment preventing reliable pain assessment or follow-up
- Chronic opioid or sedative use daily for 2 or more weeks before surgery
- Participation in another interventional trial within 30 days
- Any condition interfering with protocol adherence, safety, or reliable outcomes
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Poznan, Poland, 62-701
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Malgorzata Reysner, MD PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here