Comparing glucocorticoids for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome

A Comparative Study of Glucocorticoids Efficacy in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Fayoum University · NCT06496997

This study is testing which of three medications can best help people with acute respiratory distress syndrome who are on breathing machines to feel better and breathe easier.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorFayoum University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Al Fayyum)
Trial IDNCT06496997 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the efficacy of three glucocorticoids—methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone—in patients diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is characterized by severe inflammation and respiratory failure, often following infections like pneumonia or sepsis. The study will enroll patients receiving mechanical ventilation for hypoxemic respiratory failure and will assess the impact of these glucocorticoids on inflammation and respiratory function. The research is designed to determine which glucocorticoid is most effective in managing ARDS symptoms and improving patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients receiving mechanical ventilation for hypoxemic respiratory failure due to ARDS.

Not a fit: Patients whose acute respiratory failure is primarily due to cardiac causes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatment options for patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying success with glucocorticoid treatments in ARDS, but this specific comparative approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

We include patients receiving mechanical ventilation for hypoxemic respiratory failure if they met the diagnostic criteria for ARDS according to the American-European Consensus definition, as later reclassified on the basis of the 2012 Berlin criteria for the diagnosis of ARDS, defined as:

1. Presence of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (an arterial oxygen partial pressure to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (PaO2/FiO2) of ≤ 300 mm Hg, requiring supplemental oxygen administrated by simple face mask, nasal cannula, or other similar oxygen-delivery device to maintain oxygen saturation at greater than 93% within the first 48 h of the onset of ARDS)
2. Onset within 7 days of insult, or new (within 7 days) or worsening respiratory symptoms
3. Bilateral opacities on chest x-ray or CT not fully explained by effusions, lobar or lung collapse, or nodules
4. Cardiac failure not the primary cause of acute respiratory failure

Exclusion Criteria:

We exclude patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure caused by congestive heart failure

Where this trial is running

Al Fayyum

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.