Using Dexamethasone to Prevent Kidney Scarring in Children with Urinary Tract Infections

Efficacy of Corticosteroids in Reducing Renal Scarring in Acute Pyelonephritis in Children:A Multi-centre, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Clinical Trial

Phase 3 Interventional Hamad Medical Corporation · NCT04654507

This study is testing if giving dexamethasone to children with their first urinary tract infection can help prevent kidney damage.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages2 Months to 14 Years
SexAll
SponsorHamad Medical Corporation Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Doha)
Trial IDNCT04654507 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of dexamethasone in reducing renal scarring in children aged 2 months to 14 years who are experiencing their first episode of acute pyelonephritis. The study is a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial involving 120 participants over a 3-year period. Participants will receive either dexamethasone or a placebo alongside standard antibiotic treatment for their urinary tract infection. The goal is to determine if the anti-inflammatory properties of dexamethasone can prevent the formation of permanent kidney damage associated with urinary tract infections.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 2 months to 14 years experiencing their first episode of acute febrile urinary tract infection.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of urinary tract infections, urinary tract abnormalities, or those currently on corticosteroids may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the risk of kidney scarring and its associated complications in young children.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of corticosteroids in similar contexts has been explored, this specific approach to preventing renal scarring in pediatric urinary tract infections is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* First episode of acute febrile UTI.
* From 2 months to 14 years of age.
* Fever: ≥ 38.3°C, measured at home or at Pediatric Emergency centers.,

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous history of UTI.
* Urinary tract abnormalities except VUR.
* Antibiotic use within 7 days of enrollment (except last 48 hours)
* previous renal scarring
* patients included in the study and suffered second pyelonephritis during the first 6 months
* Patients allergic to dexamethasone.
* Endocrinology diseases.
* cancer.
* Planned admission to ICU
* Other bacterial infection as meningitis or pneumonia
* Congenital/acquired immunodeficiency
* Systemic use of corticosteroids or other immunomodulation agents within 14 days of enrollment.

Where this trial is running

Doha

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 Urinary Tract Infections in ChildrenDexamethasoneKidney ScarringAcute PyelonephritisHypertension in ChildrenChronic Renal FailureUTI
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.