AuthorisedPhase III and phase IV (Integrated)Interventional

LIDOCRIT : Effect of continuous intravenous LIDOCaine on discomfort in postoperative CRITical care inpatients

This study, called LIDOCRIT, is investigating if lidocaine, a common pain relief medication, can improve comfort for patients recently admitted to critical care after surgery. Doctors will give lidocaine continuously through a drip into a vein and compare it to a dummy treatment (sodium chloride) to see if it reduces various types of discomfort. This includes pain, thirst, anxiety, and issues with medical equipment. The research will also look at how much other pain medication is needed and how long patients stay on breathing machines or in critical care. It helps us understand if lidocaine can make recovery smoother after a big operation.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Phase III and phase IV (Integrated)

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Rennes

Enrolment target

246

Start

25 Jun 2025

Postoperative critical care

What is this study about?

Imagine you've just had a big operation, and you're in critical care – that's a special ward for people who need close monitoring. It can be a very challenging time, and even with good care, patients often feel uncomfortable due to pain, thirst, or the medical equipment helping them recover. Doctors are always looking for better ways to help patients feel more at ease during this crucial period.

This study, called LIDOCRIT, is looking into whether a medicine called lidocaine can help with this discomfort. Lidocaine is a well-known drug often used as a local anaesthetic (to numb a small area) or to treat certain heart problems. In this study, it would be given continuously into a vein through a drip. The idea is to see if having a steady level of lidocaine in the body can reduce the overall feeling of discomfort for patients recovering from surgery in critical care.

The researchers will carefully watch how patients feel, using a special questionnaire to understand different types of discomfort, like pain, anxiety, and problems with medical tubes. They'll also record how much other pain relief medication patients need, how long they stay on breathing machines, and their overall time in critical care. The aim is to find out if lidocaine can make a real difference in helping patients feel more comfortable and recover better after an operation.

Key takeaways

This study investigates lidocaine for post-surgery discomfort in critical care.
It aims to make recovery more comfortable for patients.
Patients receive either lidocaine or a dummy treatment through a drip.
Comfort levels and other medical factors are carefully monitored.
Participation could help improve care for future critical care patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and over, of any gender. You might be able to take part if you have recently had an operation and are now being cared for in a critical care unit.

To be considered for the study, you'll need to meet specific health criteria, which the medical team will check carefully. The most important thing is that you've just had surgery and require critical care. Your doctors will be able to tell you if you fit the general requirements for participating.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently had surgery?
Are you currently receiving care in a critical care unit?
Are you able to or are the doctors able to assess your level of comfort?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would be assigned to either receive lidocaine or a dummy treatment (a salt water solution, also called a placebo) through a continuous drip into a vein. This is done "blind," meaning neither you, nor your doctors, will know which treatment you are receiving until after the study is complete. This helps ensure the results are fair and unbiased.

During your time in critical care, your discomfort levels will be regularly assessed using a special questionnaire that asks about things like pain, thirst, and feelings of anxiety. These assessments would typically happen before you are well enough to leave critical care, or within a specific timeframe if your stay is longer. The study team will also keep track of any other pain relief you might need, how long you're on breathing support, and your overall stay in critical care. Your participation would focus on these observations and assessments during your critical care stay, and there wouldn't be extra visits or long-term follow-up beyond that period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this could offer potential benefits, such as receiving a treatment that might reduce your discomfort after surgery, or contributing to medical knowledge that could help future patients. However, like all medications, lidocaine has potential side effects, which your medical team will discuss with you. You might also receive the dummy treatment, which has no direct medical effect. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
France

Common questions

What is lidocaine?

Lidocaine is a medicine often used for pain relief or to numb areas of the body. In this study, it's given through a drip.

Why is this study being done?

The study wants to see if lidocaine can make patients more comfortable after surgery when they are in critical care.

Will I know if I'm getting lidocaine or the dummy treatment?

No, neither you nor your doctors will know, which helps make the study results as accurate as possible.

What will I have to do if I join?

You will receive either lidocaine or the dummy treatment, and doctors will ask you questions about your comfort levels during your critical care stay.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical treatment.