Investigating early dexamethasone treatment for high-risk sepsis patients

A Randomized, Double-blind, Multi-center Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Early Administration of Dexamethasone in High-risk Sepsis

PHASE1; PHASE2 · CHA University · NCT05136560

This study is testing whether giving different doses of dexamethasone early can help high-risk adults with sepsis feel better and improve their chances of survival.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment102 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCHA University (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05136560 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of early administration of two different doses of dexamethasone in adult patients at high risk for sepsis, defined by specific clinical criteria. Patients will be randomized into three groups: a control group and two treatment groups receiving low and high doses of dexamethasone. The study will assess various outcomes, including mortality rates at 28 and 90 days, time to septic shock, and safety measures such as the incidence of superinfection and hyperglycemia. A total of 102 patients will be enrolled across two emergency departments, with a follow-up period to monitor the effects of the treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients diagnosed with sepsis who exhibit low blood pressure or elevated lactate levels.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced directives for 'Do not resuscitate', recent glucocorticoid use, or those with a life expectancy of less than 90 days may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved survival rates and better management of high-risk sepsis patients through early dexamethasone administration.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying results with glucocorticoid treatments in sepsis, making this approach both relevant and potentially novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Sepsis defined by Sepsis-3 definition
* Initial systolic blood pressure \< 90mmHg or blood lactate level \>2mmol/L

Exclusion Criteria:

* advanced directive for "Do not resuscitation"
* recent systemic administration of glucocorticoid (4 weeks)
* recent systemic administration of chemotherapy (4 weeks)
* recent systemic administration of immunosuppressant (4 weeks)
* expected life less than 90 days
* Transferred from other hospital
* Sepsis diagnosed 24 hours after ED admission
* Use of etomidate in ED
* pregnant or on lactation
* no informed consent

Where this trial is running

Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sepsis, sepsis, glucocorticoid

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.