Dosing of Steroids for Acute Asthma Given in the Emergency Department - a Pilot Randomised Feasib… (NCT07402707) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingPhase 4
Dosing of Steroids for Acute Asthma Given in the Emergency Department - a Pilot Randomised Feasibility Trial of Dexamethasone in Children
United Kingdom104 participantsStarted 2026-02-23
Plain-language summary
Steroids given by mouth are an important first line treatment for children presenting with asthma attacks. Dexamethasone is the steroid used in some emergency departments (EDs) because of the need for a single dose and as it is well tolerated. The dose of dexamethasone in treating asthma attacks is not clearly established. This study compares two different doses of dexamethasone in children presenting with an asthma attack. Investigators will compare the effect of two different doses in reducing the need for a repeat prescription of steroids for an asthma attack in the 2 weeks after the first treatment. The investigators will also look at how often children attend the ED or their GP after being given treatment as well as the acceptability to parents and children. Although this study may provide an answer to the question of whether the different doses have the same effect, the investigators believe that a larger study will be needed to provide robust generalisable evidence, as well as to ensure that the outcomes are truly what matters to parents, children and healthcare professionals. This study will provide valuable information to enable a larger study to be undertaken.
Who can participate
Age range
4 Years – 15 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 4-15 years (inclusive) presenting to the ED with an asthma exacerbation, where oral steroids are recommended by Trust/National guidelines.
* Children whose parents/carers do not speak English will also be eligible provided they speak one of the common languages where an interpreter and Information Sheets are available (Slovakian, Arabic and Urdu).
Exclusion Criteria:
* Children who have been treated with oral or IV steroids in the last 2 weeks.
* Hypersensitivity to the study drug.
* Children who have concomitant stridor.
* First episode of wheezing (not previously diagnosed as asthma).
* Children with known difficult asthma who receive longer courses of steroids as standard.
* Life threatening episode of asthma.
* Children with other conditions that require them to have steroids when unwell.
* Children who are involved in current research or have recently been involved in research prior to recruitment
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.