Comparing oral and injectable dexamethasone for treating mild to moderate croup in children

Efficacy Of Oral Dexamethasone Versus Parenteral Dexamethasone In The Management Of Mild To Moderate Croup

Not applicable Interventional Khyber Teaching Hospital · NCT06959407

This study is testing whether giving dexamethasone by mouth works as well as giving it by injection for treating mild to moderate croup in children aged 2 to 12.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment192 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorKhyber Teaching Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Peshawar, KPK)
Trial IDNCT06959407 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of oral dexamethasone compared to intramuscular dexamethasone in managing mild to moderate croup, a common viral infection in children. It focuses on children aged 2 to 12 years who have been diagnosed with croup. The research aims to fill the gap in existing data regarding treatment efficacy in non-hospitalized patients, as most previous studies have concentrated on hospitalized cases. By comparing these two administration routes, the study seeks to provide better guidance for treatment options in outpatient settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 2 to 12 years diagnosed with mild to moderate croup.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pulmonary diseases, allergies to corticosteroids, or those who have received corticosteroids recently may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols for children with croup, potentially reducing the need for hospital visits.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on outpatient treatment for mild croup, previous studies have shown varying effectiveness of dexamethasone in hospitalized patients, indicating a need for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient age 2 to 12 years
* Both genders
* Diagnosed with croup as operational definitions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with chronic pulmonary disease like tuberculosis,
* Allergy or contraindication of corticosteroid (history of tuberous sclerosis, history of varicella infection during the past three weeks), to corticosteroids,
* history of corticosteroid administration during the last four weeks,
* foreign body
* patients with immunodeficiency disorder

Where this trial is running

Peshawar, KPK

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 LaryngotracheobronchitisCroup
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.