CompletedPhase 4

Intramuscular Epinephrine as an Adjunctive Treatment for Severe Pediatric Asthma Exacerbation

United States49 participantsStarted 2013-06

Plain-language summary

Project Aim: To determine if intramuscular epinephrine is an effective adjunct to inhaled bronchodilators (β2 agonists) for children with severe asthma exacerbation. Hypothesis: IM epinephrine is an efficacious adjunct to inhaled bronchodilators (β2 agonists) for children with severe asthma exacerbation. Intervention: Subjects will be randomly assigned (50% chance) to receive a weight based dose of IM epinephrine 1:1000 or no adjunctive medication. The dose will be 0.2 mg for subjects 20-30 kg and 0.3 mg for subjects greater than 30 kg. This will be injected intramuscularly by an ED nurse into the anterior thigh muscles of the subject using a 1 ml syringe and a 23 gauge one inch needle. In addition to the study intervention, the standardized treatment pathway based on the current asthma guidelines in use at the investigator's center will be utilized. This pathway includes nebulized albuterol, ipratropium bromide, and systemic corticosteroids. The duration and dosages of these other interventions will be administered at the discretion of the treating provider.

Who can participate

Age range

6 Years – 17 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

. Age greater than 6 years and less than 18 years
. Pre-existing diagnosis of asthma
. Presenting to the ED with an asthma exacerbation

Exclusion criteria

. History of chronic lung or upper airway disease other than asthma
. History significant, uncorrected congenital heart disease or cardiac arrhythmia
. History of thyroid disease
. Impending respiratory failure

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.

What they're measuring

Change in Percent of Predicted Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) at t15

Timeframe: 15 minutes after the study intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01705964

SponsorUniversity of Louisville

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2018-04-30

Results submitted2020-05-06

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