Actively Recruiting
The Impact of Perioperative Steroid Dosing on the Acute Phase Response in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Led by Emory University · Updated on 2026-02-05
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the clinical effects of perioperative dexamethasone use on the acute phase response, postoperative morphine use, nausea, and hospital stay length in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion. This phase 4 randomized trial aims to determine whether additional doses of dexamethasone can optimize postoperative care by reducing opioid needs and improving recovery. The study also explores how dexamethasone impacts inflammation and related complications after surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group receiving a single 8 mg dexamethasone dose during surgery as standard care, and a dexamethasone group receiving this dose plus three more 8 mg doses every 8 hours after surgery for a total of four doses. All patients follow a standardized postoperative care pathway during their hospital stay at Egleston. During the inpatient stay, researchers will measure markers of inflammation like C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 before and after surgery. They will also track morphine use and monitor symptoms such as nausea. These assessments occur immediately post-surgery and at 24 and 48 hours afterwards. The study continues until March 2026, focusing on recovery outcomes and the potential benefits of additional dexamethasone dosing.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Perioperative Steroid Dosing on the APR in AIS
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients aged 10 to 18 years
- Diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)
- Scheduled for posterior spinal fusion performed by Dr. Nicholas Fletcher at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Egleston
- Willingness to participate in the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Patients with congenital or syndromic scoliosis
- Adults over 18 years old
- Pregnant women
- Prisoners
- Patients with systemic fungal infections
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 1 to 2 days
Participants undergo posterior spinal fusion surgery and receive dexamethasone either intraoperatively or perioperatively depending on their assigned group.
1 hospital stay including surgery and medication administration
Duration - 48 hours post-surgery
Participants are monitored for recovery, pain, and inflammatory response following surgery with assessments up to 48 hours post-surgery.
Visits immediately post-surgery, 24 hours post-surgery, and 48 hours post-surgery
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Children Healthcare of Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30329
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nicholas Fletcher, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
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