Acute Severe Pain in Emergency Department: Morphine vs. Low-Dose Ketamine
Introduction
Severe pain is a critical issue that can be dangerous due to its location and potential misdiagnosis.
Aim
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of morphine and low-dose ketamine for treating severe pain in the emergency department.
Methods
We conducted a randomized open study with patients over 18 years old experiencing severe pain (NRS ≥6). The morphine group received 10 mg of morphine, while the low-dose ketamine group received 30 mg of ketamine. We measured the effectiveness by checking if patients achieved an NRS of less than 4 within 10 minutes.
Results
We included 120 patients: 66 in the morphine group and 54 in the low-dose ketamine group. The average pain score at the start was similar for both groups (8.8 for morphine and 8.6 for ketamine). After 10 minutes, both groups had a similar number of patients reaching an NRS of less than 4. However, the average pain score was significantly lower in the low-dose ketamine group. More side effects were reported in the low-dose ketamine group.
Conclusions
Low-dose ketamine is as effective as morphine for managing severe pain in the emergency department.
Clinical Trial Importance
Clinical trials are essential for developing safe and effective treatments. It’s vital to integrate their findings into everyday medical practice.
Practical Solutions
DocSym, our AI-driven platform, consolidates ICD-11 standards, clinical protocols, and research into an easy-to-use resource for healthcare providers.
Value of Streamlining Operations
In today’s healthcare landscape, efficiency is key. Our mobile apps assist with scheduling, treatment monitoring, and telemedicine, simplifying patient care management.
Enhancing Workflows with AI
By leveraging AI, clinics can improve workflows, enhance patient outcomes, and reduce paperwork. Discover how we can assist you at aidevmd.com.
