Ketamine as a Pain Medication for Chronic Pain and Acute Kidney Pain

Tashia Seneviratne, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Biology 

Research literature reviews on particular subjects, including ketamine and its possible effects on kidney function and chronic pain, can be insightful and beneficial. Since ketamine has generated interest for its possible analgesic qualities and its impact on renal function, I expected to find a substantial quantity of previous study on the subject. I also anticipated seeing a range of study designs, such as observational studies, clinical trials, and systemic reviews. I gained a lot of knowledge about the current status of research on ketamine's effects on renal function and chronic pain while doing a literature study.

I learned that ketamine has demonstrated promise as a possible treatment for chronic pain disorders, despite being best recognized as an anesthetic and recreational medication. According to the majority of research, ketamine may reduce pain through influencing the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is involved in the transmission of pain. Moreover, studies I read suggested that ketamine has complex and varied impacts on renal function. Ketamine could prove to be advantageous in a variety of ways such as NMDA receptor modulation, central sensitization, anti-inflammatory effects and neuroplasticity which is when the brain adapts to changes. Ketamine is usually administered in small doses for chronic pain than when it is used for other purposes such as general anesthesia. It can be administered through many methods such as the oral route, nasal sprays, intravenously and topical creams. The NMDA receptor is important in controlling synaptic change, learning, and memory in addition to transmitting pain signals. As an NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine blocks the receptor's ability to function. Ketamine binds to these NMDA receptors and acts as an antagonistic of NMDA. Ketamine can potentially lessen pain perception by changing the transmission of pain signals in this way.

While some research has indicated that ketamine use may cause kidney damage, other studies have indicated that the drug may not have a significant or even positive effect on renal function. When interpreting the results, it is essential to recognize the subtle differences and the limitations of the available evidence. As I read through academic literature through OneSearch accessed by the CUNY library, I came across some unexpected and surprising discoveries. For example, I found contradictory results from several studies, which emphasize the need for greater investigation and a deeper comprehension of the subject. Furthermore, research has been conducted on the possible advantages of ketamine in the treatment of chronic pain problems, like limb ischaemia, which I was not previously aware of.

Completing a study literature review helped me grow personally by improving my analytical and critical thinking abilities. It enabled me to gain a greater comprehension of research techniques, the scientific method, and the significance of evidence-based practice. In addition, performing a literature review can help me become more skilled at combining data from many sources and clearly communicating complicated concepts.

In conclusion, performing a research literature study for the capstone on ketamine and kidney/chronic pain is rewarding. It enabled me to expand my critical thinking abilities, obtain an in-depth understanding of the subject, and contribute to progress within the field of science and this topic.