Pilot Study to Test Disposable Nitrous Oxide Canisters for Pain Relief During Burn Dressing Changes in Adult Burn Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of disposable nitrous oxide canisters to provide better pain control during burn dressing changes. Despite advances in burn care, managing pain during routine wound care remains challenging due to the high doses of narcotics required and their potential side effects. This pilot randomized controlled crossover trial aims to test if nitrous oxide, a rapidly acting analgesic, can improve pain relief compared to placebo in adult burn patients. Participants will receive nitrous oxide inhalant or placebo canisters during burn dressing changes. Nitrous oxide acts within seconds and provides pain relief lasting minutes, making it potentially suitable for short but intense pain episodes like dressing changes. The study compares pain and anxiety levels when using nitrous oxide versus placebo, with treatments administered in a double-blinded and randomized manner. Participants will be assessed for pain and anxiety using the Burn Specific Pain Anxiety Scale and Visual Analogue Scales before, during, and after dressing changes. Researchers will also monitor the use of additional anxiolytics at these time points. The study enrolls adult burn patients with 5-20% body surface area burns and excludes those with serious respiratory or cardiovascular conditions or those unable to use the inhalant. The trial is led by the University of Manitoba and started in 2019, continuing until 2029.

A Pilot Trial of Disposable Nitrous Oxide Canisters in Providing Pain Control During Burn Dressing Changes