Sufentanil-ketamine for elective surgical procedures in children aged 1-17 years old

Sufentanil-ketamine fixed dose combination is being developed for pain management and sedation in children aged 1-17 years old undergoing elective surgical procedures. Elective surgical procedures are surgeries which are not emergencies and scheduled in advance. Elective surgical procedures can result in pain either due to the disease being treated, the surgical procedure or complications linked to the surgery. Poor pain control may lead to complications after surgery; longer hospital stays and persistent chronic pain. Current medications used to manage pain and sedate children for surgery are associated with serious side effects such as liver and kidney failure, and raised intracranial pressure.