Community Care for Croup (RCT) (NCT01042145) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 4
Community Care for Croup (RCT)
United States87 participantsStarted 2009-10
Plain-language summary
This randomized clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of prednisone 2mg/kg/day for 3 days vs. dexamethasone 0.6mg/kg for 1 day for treatment of children with mild or moderate croup. It was conducted in a practice-based research network of community pediatricians in the St. Louis area. Outcomes included additional health care for croup, duration of symptoms, nights of disturbed sleep, parental stress, missed work days, and adverse events. Our hypothesis was that community-based treatment of children with mild or moderate croup with multiple doses of prednisone is superior to a single dose of dexamethasone.
Who can participate
Age range
1 Year – 8 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* children aged 1 to 8 years old (not yet reached their 9th birthday), who have croup symptoms for less than or equal to 48 hours and have a physician diagnosis of mild or moderate croup.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Severe croup or impending respiratory failure;
* another reason to indicate the need for hospitalization;
* symptoms or signs to suggest another cause of stridor;
* active varicella infection;
* diabetes;
* known immunodeficiency disease;
* chronic respiratory disease such as CF (Cystic Fibrosis);
* prescribed a controller medication or oral steroids for asthma in the past 12 months;
* a history of TB(tuberculosis) in a household member;
* treatment for seizures;
* treatment with epinephrine or oral corticosteroids for this croup episode before enrollment;
* not accompanied by their legal guardian;
* the accompanying adult will not be in the same household as the child for the next four days;
* parent/legal guardian is unavailable for telephone follow-up or does not speak English.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.