Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Phase 3 Interventional Ages 18 to 100

Evaluating dexamethasone for severe influenza

Official title: Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Phase III Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Dexamethasone Compared to Placebo in Patients With Severe Influenza

Run by Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante · NCT06528444 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether the medication dexamethasone can help hospitalized patients with severe influenza recover better than those who receive a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
Enrollment42 (estimated)
SponsorInstituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante
Research network
Drugs / interventionsprednisone
Locations2 sites (Alicante and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2024
Main results expectedOctober 31, 2028
Study endsOctober 31, 2028
Registry record updatedFebruary 19, 2025
Trial IDNCT06528444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are hospitalized adults aged 18 years and older with a confirmed diagnosis of severe influenza.

Probably not a fit

Patients with bronchial hyperresponsiveness requiring systemic corticosteroids or those on ECMO may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a randomized, double-blind, multicenter phase III evaluation of dexamethasone's efficacy and safety compared to a placebo in patients diagnosed with severe influenza. Participants must be hospitalized and have a confirmed diagnosis of influenza A or B virus infection. The study aims to determine whether dexamethasone can improve patient outcomes in this population. The trial will involve administering either dexamethasone or a placebo to eligible patients and monitoring their recovery.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from severe influenza.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored corticosteroids in viral infections, but the specific use of dexamethasone for severe influenza is less established, making this approach somewhat novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged ≥ 18 years.
2. Diagnosis of influenza A or B virus infection by antigen or RT-PCR (local laboratory) at the time of entry or at 48 hours prior to randomization in respiratory specimens (nasopharyngeal swab or bronchoalveolar lavage).
3. Hospitalized patients with an estimated hospital stay of more than 24 hours.
4. In previous treatment or concomitant start of treatment with oseltamivir.
5. For women of childbearing age, use of contraceptive methods until day 30 after completion of treatment.
6. Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Patients with bronchial hyperresponsiveness that requires systemic corticosteroids for more than 24 hours.

  2\. Pre-inclusion treatment with corticosteroids for more than 24 hours at a dose equal to or higher than 1 mg/kg methyl-prednisolone (0.2 mg/kg dexamethasone or 1.25 mg/kg prednisone).

  3\. Inability to administer oral oseltamivir. 4. Patients on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). 5. Pre-existing condition or use of medication that, in the opinion of the local investigator, may pose a risk for the administration of corticosteroids.

  6\. Patients with severe comorbidity with life expectancy of less than six months in the opinion of the investigator.

  7\. Patients co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 or RSV.

Where it's running

  • Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis de Alicante (centro coordinador)
    Alicante, Spain
    Recruiting
  • Hospital General Universitario de Elche
    Elche, Spain
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.