US multicentre randomised controlled trial protocol: Comparing Analgesic Regimen Effectiveness and Safety after surgery trial for Kids (CARES for Kids)

28 May 20264 min read0 viewsJournal Feed

GIST (Key Takeaways)

Introduction Acute pain is an expected symptom for adolescents after outpatient surgery. In the USA, postoperative analgesic regimens frequently include prescription opioids.
Increasing attention from clinicians, patients and other healthcare leaders has been directed toward non-opioid strategies, such as combining non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) plus acetaminophen, as potential first-line options for managing postoperative pain. However, the effectiveness and safety of home regimens that include versus exclude opioids for adolescents are unclear.
The Comparing Analgesic Regimen Effectiveness and Safety after surgery for Kids study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of NSAIDs plus acetaminophen alone (NSAID regimen) versus NSAIDs and acetaminophen plus a low-dose opioid regimen (opioid regimen). Methods and analysis This study is a pragmatic, multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial recruiting 900 patients aged 12 - 20 years undergoing three common outpatient surgeries (tonsillectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, knee arthroscopy) across four health systems.
We will recruit patients prior to surgery and individuals will be randomised 1:1 with stratification to receive prescriptions for either the NSAID regimen or the opioid regimen.

Clinical Editorial

Summary

BMJ Open published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 28 May 2026.

The item focuses on US multicentre randomised controlled trial protocol: Comparing Analgesic Regimen Effectiveness and Safety after surgery trial for Kids (CARES for Kids).

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