Dexamethasone dosing for children with acute asthma in the emergency department

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized pilot compares two single oral doses of dexamethasone given in the ED to children aged 4–15 presenting with an asthma exacerbation. Investigators will compare the need for a repeat steroid prescription within two weeks after treatment and will record subsequent ED or GP visits and parent/child acceptability. Dexamethasone is used because it is well tolerated and can be given as a single dose rather than a multi-day course. As a feasibility trial, results will inform the design and size of a larger definitive study if needed.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 4-15 years (inclusive) presenting to the ED with an asthma exacerbation, where oral steroids are recommended by Trust/National guidelines.
* Children whose parents/carers do not speak English will also be eligible provided they speak one of the common languages where an interpreter and Information Sheets are available (Slovakian, Arabic and Urdu).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children who have been treated with oral or IV steroids in the last 2 weeks.
* Hypersensitivity to the study drug.
* Children who have concomitant stridor.
* First episode of wheezing (not previously diagnosed as asthma).
* Children with known difficult asthma who receive longer courses of steroids as standard.
* Life threatening episode of asthma.
* Children with other conditions that require them to have steroids when unwell.
* Children who are involved in current research or have recently been involved in research prior to recruitment

Where it's running

• Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
  Sheffield, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Judith Gilchrist — Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
• Study coordinator: Meena Balasubramanian
• Email: meena.balasubramanian@nhs.net
• Phone: 0114 3053136

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.