RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

EffecT of eARly analGesia With Erector Spinae Plane Block to Reduce Ventilation After Severe Chest Trauma

This study is investigating a pain relief technique called an Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block for patients who have suffered severe chest injuries, such as multiple broken ribs. When people have chest injuries, pain can make it hard to breathe properly and clear their lungs, sometimes leading to needing breathing machines. The ESP block is a simple, ultrasound-guided injection that numbs the area causing pain. Unlike some other pain relief methods, it’s less invasive and has fewer complications. Researchers want to know if giving this pain block early on can help patients recover faster by reducing how long they need support from breathing machines, either through a tube or with a mask.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Grenoble

Enrolment target

400

Start

22 Oct 2023

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2027

Severe Chest Trauma

What is this study about?

When you have a serious chest injury, like several broken ribs, it can be incredibly painful. This pain doesn't just hurt; it can also make it very difficult to breathe deeply, cough effectively, and clear your lungs of mucus. This difficulty in breathing can lead to further problems and sometimes means patients need help from a breathing machine, either through a tube (invasive ventilation) or with a mask (non-invasive ventilation).

Doctors usually try to control this pain with strong painkillers given into a vein. Sometimes, if the pain is still bad, they might recommend a stronger type of pain block. However, these blocks can be quite complex, sometimes risky, and might not be suitable for everyone, especially if there are other injuries or bleeding issues. This new study is looking at a different kind of pain relief called an Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block. It's a simpler injection guided by ultrasound that numbs the pain around the ribs.

The main goal of this study is to see if giving this ESP block soon after a chest injury can help patients recover more quickly. Specifically, the researchers want to find out if it can reduce the number of days a patient needs help from a breathing machine. They think this block could be a safer and easier way to manage pain, allowing patients to breathe better and get back on their feet sooner.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a pain relief method for severe chest injuries.
The goal is to reduce how long patients need breathing support.
The ESP block is a simpler, less invasive pain relief injection.
It aims to improve breathing and promote faster recovery.
Participation involves monitoring your pain and breathing during hospital stay.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old who has suffered a chest injury that doctors call 'blunt chest trauma.' This means your injury wasn't from a stab or gunshot wound, and a CT scan has shown you have at least three broken ribs. You must also need to be admitted to an intensive care or high dependency unit.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've already had a cardiac arrest, or if doctors don't expect you to survive within the first three days. You also can't take part if your blood pressure is very low and unstable, if you're on a breathing machine because of a severe head injury, or if you have a spinal cord injury in your neck or back. Severe blood loss or being allergic to the specific pain relief medicine (ropivacaine) used in the block would also exclude you.

Additionally, if you're already involved in another medical study that involves trying out a new treatment, you wouldn't be eligible. Pregnant or breastfeeding women also cannot take part in this study.

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 over 18 years old?
Do you have at least 3 broken ribs from a blunt chest injury?
Are you needing intensive care or a high dependency unit?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would receive the ESP block soon after your chest injury. This involves a doctor using an ultrasound machine to guide a fine needle to inject local anaesthetic near your spine, at the level of your broken ribs. A small tube, called a catheter, might be left in place to allow for continuous pain relief and additional doses of the medicine if needed. Your pain levels and breathing would be closely monitored throughout your hospital stay. Doctors and nurses would also keep track of how long you need any kind of breathing support, how well your lungs are working, and your overall recovery. The total duration of the study participation would be for the period of your hospital stay and recovery.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit of better pain control after your chest injury, which could help you breathe more comfortably and possibly reduce the time you need breathing support. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, though the ESP block is generally considered safer than some other pain relief injections. These risks are usually minor and could include bruising, bleeding, or infection at the injection site. Serious complications, though rare, could also occur. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (14)

CHU Bordeaux - Pellegrin
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France· Recruiting
Hôpital d'instruction des armées Percy
Verified postcode
Clamart, France· Recruiting
CHU Clermont-Ferrand
Verified postcode
Clermont-Ferrand, France· Recruiting
Hopital Beaujon - AP-HP
Verified postcode
Clichy, France· Recruiting
CH Annecy Genevois
Verified postcode
Épagny, France· Recruiting
CHU Grenoble Alpes
Verified postcode
Grenoble, France· Recruiting
CHU de Lille
Verified postcode
Lille, France· Recruiting
Hôpital Pitie Salpetriere - AP-HP
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting
Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou - AH-HP
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting
Hôpital Lyon Sud
Verified postcode
Pierre-Bénite, France· Recruiting
Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Sainte Anne
Verified postcode
Toulon, France· Recruiting
Chu Toulouse - Hopital Rangueil
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an ESP block?

It's a type of pain relief injection, guided by ultrasound, that numbs the area around your broken ribs to help manage your pain.

Why is pain relief important for chest injuries?

Good pain relief helps you breathe more easily, cough effectively, and clear your lungs, which can prevent further breathing problems.

Will I still get other pain relief?

Yes, this block is an addition to the standard pain relief you would already receive for your injuries.

What are the main risks?

The main risks are minor, like bruising or infection at the injection site. More serious complications are very rare.

How long will I be in the study?

You will be part of the study throughout your hospital stay as your recovery is monitored.

How to find out more

BOUZAT Pierre, MD, PhD

pbouzat@chu-grenoble.fr 0476766879 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.