Oral Ketamine for Treatment of Vaso-Occlusive Pain

This is a pilot study of the feasibility of oral ketamine dosing initiated in the Emergency Department and continued for 48 hours for adolescents and young adults hospitalized with VOCs. A total of 10 patients between the ages of 12 and 24 years will receive oral ketamine 0.5 mg/kg Q8hrs for 48 hours. Pain scores using VAS and Modified Ramsey Sedation Scores will be obtained every 4 hours per routine nursing care. Vital signs (temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate) will also be taken every 4 hours throughout the study duration. Side effects (such as dysphoria, dizziness, unpleasant dreams, hallucinations, headache, and nausea) will be monitored throughout the study duration. The Acute Pain Service will assess each patient at least twice daily for pain management and side effects to pain treatment. Ketamine will be discontinued for patients who experience side effects. Patients who experience continued high pain scores will have the option of having oral ketamine discontinued and IV ketamine infusion initiated. At the end of the 48 hour study period, patient, parent, Pain Service and Hematology Service will discuss whether to continue oral ketamine, change to intravenous ketamine, or discontinue ketamine based on clinical indications such as level of pain and sedation while on opioids. Patients and parents (for patients > 18 years) will be asked to complete a brief satisfaction survey at the end of the 48 hour study period. Patients who are 12-24 years of age who require admission for vaso-occlusive pain will be included. Patients who do not wish to participate or who have had side effects to previous use of intravenous ketamine for treatment of vaso-occlusive pain that would preclude using ketamine for future pain episodes will not be included in this study.