Ketamine Infusion for Sickle Cell Pain Crisis
Ketamine Infusion for Sickle Cell Pain Crisis
The purpose of this study is to prospectively study the efficacy of low dose ketamine
 infusions in treating patients who are admitted to the hospital with a sickle cell pain
 crisis. Participants will be prospectively randomized in unblinded fashion in the first 12 to
 24 hours of an inpatient admission for sickle cell pain crisis to receive pain management
 without ketamine infusion (Group A) versus pain management that includes low-dose ketamine
 infusion starting at 0.2mg/kg/h (Group B). The effect of this intervention on various pain
 management and healthcare utilization outcome measures will be recorded and analyzed to
 determine whether or not there is a measurable benefit of using ketamine infusions in this
 patient population.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Have a pre-existing/known diagnosis of sickle cell disease, prior to the current
 presentation

 -  Admitted to Duke University Hospital with a clinical diagnosis of sickle cell crisis

 -  Are at least 18 years old at time of admission

 -  Have been admitted to any hospital for sickle cell pain crisis at least twice in the
 last year

 -  Have documented severe pain at time of admission, requiring intravenous opiates

 -  Must be able to speak English

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Are greater than 70 years old at time of admission

 -  Carry a diagnosis of cirrhosis, elevated intracranial pressure, elevated intraocular
 pressure, active coronary artery disease, and psychiatric disorders with history of
 psychosis

 -  Are pregnant or breastfeeding

 -  Are concomitantly admitted for another medical or surgical problem in addition to
 sickle cell pain crisis

 -  Have been admitted to any hospital for a sickle cell pain crisis greater than 10 times
 in the last year

 -  Were admitted to any hospital for sickle cell pain crisis within the last 30 days

 -  Are able to fully and properly consent for their own medical care, with no
 restrictions or limitations