Safety and efficacy of ketamine use in patients with vaso-occlusive crisis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
EJHaem December 1, 2024 Ernesto Calderon Martinez, Stephin Zachariah Saji, Thomas Campos Carmona et al. 2 citations
A systematic review and meta-analysis of five studies with 689 participants found that ketamine does not significantly reduce pain scores or opioid use compared to standard care during vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease. Pain scores showed no significant difference, and morphine equivalent use also did not differ significantly. Ketamine was associated with a fivefold higher risk of mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, though no severe adverse events were reported. The authors suggest ketamine may have potential for improving pain management, but current evidence does not demonstrate statistically significant benefits, and further research with larger samples is needed to clarify optimal dosing and protocols.