Research Center: Magee Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Location: 300 Halket Street, Suite 3510, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
Lead Doctor: Grace Lim MD, MS
IRB Committee: This research study has been reviewed and approved by University of Pittsburgh  Institutional Review Board

Background

Childbirth is a beautiful experience but is also painful. A pregnant woman is often faced with the decision to have her baby by  cesarean delivery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 3 women deliver by C-section. 

Although cesarean section is a commonly performed operation, researchers believe that there is a continued need to find more effective ways to reduce pain and reduce the need for opioids after cesarean delivery. This research study explores a potential medication to understand if it will help to control pain and reduce the use of opioids in women after having a cesarean section. The study medication is a low-dose painkiller called Ketamine. Ketamine is a common anesthetic, used for many years in the treatment of pain after surgery. However, ketamine for post-cesarean delivery pain has not been well-researched. The usual painkillers are given to women after a c-section are opioids. 

The ketamine infusion doses used for this study are low and not habit-forming. The primary goal of this study is to measure the amount of ketamine in the breast milk of women after a c-section. This way, women and their doctors can better understand how this medication can work for lactating women.

This research study is inviting pregnant women aged 18 years old and above who are at least in their 37th week of gestation. Interested participants must be planning to have a cesarean delivery. They must be planning to have their baby at UPMC Magee Womens Hospital. 

Why Participate? 

• You may experience better pain control, helping you recover from your c-section.
• You will receive the study medication at no cost.
• You will have the researcher’s close attention on your pain control.
• You will be compensated $1,500 for your work in participating in this study.
• You will help develop a potential new investigational treatment that may help women experience better pain control after having a c-section.
• You will be helping to advance medical research.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by the law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Women aged 18 years old and above who are at least in their 37th week of pregnancy.
• Must plan to have a cesarean delivery.
• Must plan to not breastfeed.
• Must plan to deliver the baby at UPMC Magee Womens Hospital.