Injecting steroids to treat chronic cough
Prospective Placebo-Controlled Trial of Intramuscular Steroid Administration for the Treatment of Unexplained Chronic Cough
This study is testing if steroid injections can help people with a long-lasting cough that doesn't have a clear cause feel better compared to a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06634823 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intramuscular steroid injections in treating patients with unexplained chronic cough. It is designed as a prospective, placebo-controlled, single-blind, randomized clinical trial where participants will receive either a steroid injection or a placebo. The outcomes will be assessed using patient-reported measures, including the Leicester Cough Questionnaire and a visual analogue scale for symptom severity. The study also aims to document any adverse reactions to the treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a history of chronic unexplained or refractory cough.
Not a fit: Patients who are current smokers, have uncontrolled diabetes, or have other specified exclusion criteria may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide significant relief for patients suffering from chronic cough that has no identifiable cause.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, particularly with superior laryngeal nerve injections for neurogenic cough.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * History consistent with chronic unexplained or refractory cough * Age ≥ 18 Exclusion Criteria: * Current smokers * Uncontrolled diabetes (A1c\>7%) * Patients on ACE inhibitors or Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) * Abnormal pulmonary function testing (PFTs) since start of the cough * Patients with uncontrolled obstructive sleep apnea * Abnormal chest X-ray within past 6 months * Uncontrolled reflux * Prior superior laryngeal nerve injection * Current neuromodulating medication use for chronic cough\*
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lauren Howser — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Kirsten Meenan
- Email: meenan@musc.edu
- Phone: 843-792-6755
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.