Dexamethasone vs. Placebo in Children and Youth Hospitalized for Orbital Cellulitis (NCT07345819) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Dexamethasone vs. Placebo in Children and Youth Hospitalized for Orbital Cellulitis
Canada30 participantsStarted 2026-04-01
Plain-language summary
The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to understand whether we can successfully conduct a larger definitive clinical trial in the future. The current pilot study will test various aspects of the larger trial and help us improve its design if needed. The investigators are mainly interested in knowing whether they can (1) recruit enough patients, (2) administer the intervention, and (3) collect all the data needed from patients. The definitive randomized controlled trial will assess if dexamethasone is superior to placebo for treating children and youth hospitalized with orbital cellulitis.
Who can participate
Age range
2 Months – 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 2.00 months -17.99 years (prior to 18th birthday)
. Confirmed or suspected diagnosis of orbital cellulitis as determined by the attending physician, medical team, and/or delegate's clinical judgement, based on one or more features of orbital cellulitis (i.e., ophthalmoplegia, pain and/or limitation with extraocular movements, chemosis, blurred vision, eye swollen shut, and/or proptosis).
. Scheduled to be admitted or admitted to hospital for less than 36 hours.
. Informed consent provided in accordance with institutional policies
Exclusion criteria
. Transferred directly from outside hospital inpatient setting to a participating hospital site's inpatient setting with over 36 hours having passed since admission to outside hospital. If within 36 hours, patient is eligible.
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
1
Recruitment rate
Timeframe: From start of recruitment to end of recruitment (anticipated 18 months).