Ketamine Infusion for Rapid Reduction of Suicidality in Pediatrics (Keta4SI)

This Phase I/II interventional trial (n=96) will investigate the use of intravenous ketamine for the rapid reduction of suicidality in paediatric patients presenting with suicidal ideation (SI) in the emergency department (ED).

Conducted by the University of British Columbia, the study aims to address the urgent need for rapid-onset treatment options for SI in children and adolescents. Currently, treatment options in the ED are limited, and typical management involves admitting the patient to a safe environment while awaiting longer-term mental health resources. Building on promising results from adult studies, this trial will explore whether a single, sub-anesthetic dose of intravenous ketamine can rapidly reduce depression and SI severity in paediatric patients.

The study will compare intravenous ketamine to both active and placebo controls in children aged 10 to 17 years presenting to the paediatric ED for SI. The primary objective is to explore the adequacy and range of three instruments measuring suicidality and determine the sample size required for a large definitive randomised control trial. Secondary objectives include assessing study feasibility and optimising study procedures.

Recruitment began on June 1, 2022, and the primary completion date is estimated to be November 1, 2024, with a study completion date projected for December 1, 2024. The trial is conducted at BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Topic Suicidality Adolescence and Psychedelics
Compound Placebo Ketamine
Country Canada
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Trial Details



Trial Number

Sponsors & Collaborators

University of British Columbia


Data attribution

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