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Intrapartum FeverNCT07501221

Intranasal Dexmedetomidine for Prevention of Intrapartum Fever

A study testing Dexmedetomidine in people with Intrapartum Fever, run by Chengdu Jinjiang Maternity and Child Health Hospital at 1 site in China.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Brief Title: Intranasal Dexmedetomidine for Prevention of Intrapartum Fever This study aims to evaluate the effect of intranasal dexmedetomidine (Dex) administered before neuraxial labor analgesia on the incidence of intrapartum fever in women undergoing vaginal delivery. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older, women only
Conditions the study is for
Intrapartum Fever
What is being tested?
Dexmedetomidine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
446 participants
Where
1 siteChina
Study dates
1 May 2026to 1 Oct 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • ASA physical status II or III
  • Age ≥ 18 years
  • Singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation
  • No contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia and voluntarily requesting labor analgesia

Who cannot join

  • Maternal temperature ≥ 37.3°C before labor analgesia
  • Allergy to α2-adrenergic receptor agonists
  • Severe pregnancy complications or systemic diseases
  • Use of analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medications that may affect body temperature within one week prior to enrollment
  • Heart rate < 60 bpm or systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg before labor analgesia
  • Severe rhinitis or nasal deformity
  • Premature rupture of membranes

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

China1 site
  • Chengdu Jinjiang District Women & Children Health Hospital

    Chengdu, Sichuan, 610011

    jianjun mao, +8615008460156, jiafeijjfy@163.com

Other trials in China

About this study

Official title: Intranasal Dexmedetomidine and Labor Analgesia-Related Intrapartum Fever: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Brief Title: Intranasal Dexmedetomidine for Prevention of Intrapartum Fever This study aims to evaluate the effect of intranasal dexmedetomidine (Dex) administered before neuraxial labor analgesia on the incidence of intrapartum fever in women undergoing vaginal delivery.

This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will enroll 446 parturients scheduled for vaginal delivery with neuraxial labor analgesia at Chengdu Jinjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital from 2026 to 2027. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either intranasal Dex (50 μg) or an equal volume of normal saline before the initiation of labor analgesia.

Read more

Primary Outcome Measure:

Incidence of intrapartum fever (temperature ≥ 38.0℃) from initiation of labor analgesia to 2 hours postpartum

Secondary Outcome Measures:

Temperature-related outcomes: Incidence of fever at thresholds of ≥ 37.5℃ and ≥ 38.5℃; hourly temperature trends assessed by continuous wireless axillary monitoring Analgesic effect: NRS pain scores before labor analgesia and at 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 3 hours after analgesia Sedative effect: Ramsay Sedation Scale scores at the same time points Maternal safety: Incidence of bradycardia (heart rate < 60 bpm), hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg or < 20% of baseline), nausea, vomiting, oversedation (Ramsay ≥ 4), and respiratory depression (SpO₂ < 90%) Labor characteristics: Duration of first, second, and third stages of labor, total labor duration, and duration of labor analgesia Delivery outcomes: Mode of delivery (spontaneous vaginal delivery or cesarean section) and total consumption of local anesthetics Neonatal outcomes: Apgar scores at 1, 5, and 10 minutes, and NICU admission rate We hypothesize that intranasal Dex administered before labor analgesia will significantly reduce the incidence of intrapartum fever compared to placebo. This study is expected to provide a novel, non-invasive, and effective strategy for preventing epidural-related maternal fever, thereby improving maternal safety and perinatal outcomes in women undergoing vaginal delivery.

Read the detailed description

Background: Labor analgesia-related intrapartum fever (LRIF), defined as maternal temperature ≥ 38.0°C following labor analgesia, occurs in 15-25% of parturients and is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and intranasal administration offers rapid onset, high bioavailability, and non-invasiveness. However, its effect on LRIF has not been evaluated in high-quality prospective studies.

Study Design: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center trial conducted at Chengdu Jinjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital (2026-2027).

Intervention: Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive intranasal dexmedetomidine (50 μg, 25 μg per nostril) or intranasal normal saline (equal volume) immediately before labor analgesia. Labor analgesia follows a standardized combined spinal-epidural protocol with patient-controlled epidural analgesia.

Randomization and Blinding: A computer-generated random sequence with block size of 4 is used. Allocation is concealed in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. Double-blinding is implemented: participants, outcome assessors, data managers, and statisticians are blinded to group allocation. The attending anesthesiologist is unblinded but does not participate in any follow-up or outcome assessment.

Data Collection: Temperature is monitored continuously using wireless axillary sensors from analgesia initiation to 2 hours postpartum, ensuring capture of hourly temperature trends and fever events. Pain scores (NRS) and sedation levels (Ramsay Sedation Scale) are assessed at predefined time points: before analgesia, and at 30 min, 1 h, and 3 h after analgesia initiation. Data are extracted from electronic health records and case report forms, with double data entry and source data verification for primary outcome events.

Statistical Analysis: The primary analysis follows the modified intention-to-treat principle. The primary outcome (incidence of LRIF) will be analyzed using chi-square test, with risk ratio and 95% CI reported. Continuous variables will be compared using t-tests or rank-sum tests as appropriate. Logistic regression will be performed to adjust for potential confounders. A two-sided P-value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant.

Ethics: The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Chengdu Jinjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital (Approval No. 202509). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants.

Being tested
Dexmedetomidine, Placebo
Keywords
labor analgesia, Intrapartum Fever, Dexmedetomidine

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • DexmedetomidineDrug

    A single intranasal dose of dexmedetomidine 50 μg (25 μg per nostril) administered before combined spinal-epidural labor analgesia. Labor analgesia is maintained with ropivacaine and sufentanil via patient-controlled epidural analgesia pump.

  • PlaceboDrug

    Intranasal normal saline (one spray per nostril, total two sprays) administered as a single dose before initiation of Combined Spinal-Epidural labor analgesia. Identical in appearance, color, odor, and packaging to the dexmedetomidine nasal spray to maintain blinding.

Study groups in NCT07501221
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Intranasal Dexmedetomidine GroupExperimentalParticipants in this arm will receive a single dose of intranasal dexmedetomidine 50 μg (one spray of 25 μg per nostril, total two sprays) immediately before initiation of Combined Spinal-Epidural labor analgesia. Labor analgesia follows standard protocol using ropivacaine and sufentanil via patient-controlled epidural analgesia pump.
Receives: Drug: Dexmedetomidine
Placebo (Normal Saline) GroupPlacebo comparatorParticipants in this arm will receive a single dose of intranasal normal saline (one spray per nostril, total two sprays) immediately before initiation of Combined Spinal-Epidural labor analgesia. Labor analgesia follows standard protocol using ropivacaine and sufentanil via patient-controlled epidural analgesia pump.
Receives: Drug: Placebo

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Incidence of Labor Analgesia-Related Intrapartum Fever (LRIF)

    Proportion of participants with maternal temperature ≥ 38.0°C measured from initiation of labor analgesia to 2 hours postpartum. Temperature is continuously monitored using a wireless axillary sensor.

    Measured: Up to 2 hours post-analgesia initiation

Secondary outcomes (14)
  1. Incidence of fever at different thresholds

    Proportion of participants with maternal temperature ≥ 37.5°C and ≥ 38.5°C during the same period.

    Measured: Up to 2 hours post-analgesia initiation

  2. Hourly temperature trends

    Maternal temperature recorded every hour from initiation of labor analgesia to 2 hours postpartum.

    Measured: Hourly, up to 2 hours post-analgesia initiation

  3. Analgesic effect (NRS pain scores)

    Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain), with higher scores indicating worse pain. Assessed before labor analgesia (T0), and at 30 minutes (T1), 1 hour (T2), and 3 hours (T3) after analgesia.

    Measured: Baseline, 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 3 hours post-analgesia initiation

  4. Sedative effect (Ramsay Sedation Scale)

    Ramsay Sedation Scale scores, ranging from 1 (anxious, agitated, or restless) to 6 (no response to light glabellar tap or loud auditory stimulus), with higher scores indicating deeper sedation. Assessed at the same time points as pain scores.

    Measured: Baseline, 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 3 hours post-analgesia initiation

  5. Labor characteristics

    Duration of first, second, and third stages of labor, total labor duration, and duration of labor analgesia.

    Measured: Throughout labor and delivery

  6. Mode of delivery

    Spontaneous vaginal delivery or cesarean section.

    Measured: At delivery

  7. Total consumption of local anesthetics

    Total dose (mg) of ropivacaine used during labor analgesia.

    Measured: From analgesia initiation to delivery

  8. Incidence of Hypotension

    Proportion of participants with systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg

    Measured: Up to 2 hours post-analgesia initiation

  9. Incidence of Bradycardia

    Proportion of participants with heart rate < 60 bpm during labor analgesia.

    Measured: Up to 2 hours post-analgesia initiation

  10. Incidence of Nausea and Vomiting

    Proportion of participants experiencing nausea or vomiting during labor analgesia.

    Measured: Up to 2 hours post-analgesia initiation

  11. Incidence of Oversedation

    Proportion of participants with Ramsay Sedation Scale score ≥ 4 during labor analgesia.

    Measured: Up to 2 hours post-analgesia initiation

  12. Incidence of Respiratory Depression

    Proportion of participants with SpO₂ < 90% during labor analgesia.

    Measured: Up to 2 hours post-analgesia initiation

  13. Neonatal Apgar Scores

    Apgar (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) scores, ranging from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating better neonatal condition. Assessed at 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes after delivery.

    Measured: 1, 5, and 10 minutes post-delivery

  14. NICU Admission Rate

    Proportion of neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after delivery.

    Measured: During neonatal hospitalization

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted30 Mar 2026
  2. Study start1 May 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Jun 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Oct 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
446 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07501221
Sponsor's protocol ID
202509
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
21 Mar 2026
Last updated
30 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Dexmedetomidine in people with Intrapartum Fever, run by Chengdu Jinjiang Maternity and Child Health Hospital at 1 site in China.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Bo Liu (+8618502846036, liubojjfy@163.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Incidence of Labor Analgesia-Related Intrapartum Fever (LRIF) (time frame: Up to 2 hours post-analgesia initiation). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Mar 2026.

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