Dexamethasone Versus Prednisone for Asthma Treatment in the Pediatric Inpatient Population; a Feasibility Study
Status:
Terminated
Trial end date:
2020-03-11
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Current corticosteroid regimens for children hospitalized with asthma typically include a
5-day course of prednisone or prednisolone. However, these medications taste poorly and are
associated with vomiting and poor compliance. Outpatient evidence suggests that a 2-day
course of dexamethasone is as effective as a longer course of prednisone and prednisolone,
and better tolerated. Studies in hospitalized patients are lacking.
The investigators' primary objective is to determine the feasibility of a non-inferiority
trial, comparing 2 days of dexamethasone to 4 days of inpatient prednisone/prednisolone for
inpatient asthma treatment. The investigators also wish to determine the feasibility of 1)
enrolling patients upon admission to hospital, 2) asking patients and/or caregivers to
complete a symptom weekly for 4 weeks, 3) reassessing patients post hospital discharge, 4)
successfully completing phone follow up 4 weeks post hospital discharge, and 5) collecting
health utilization data post hospital discharge.
This study will inform a future multi-site trial comparing prednisone/prednisolone to
dexamethasone in inpatient asthma treatment. It has the potential of improving the delivery
of care in asthma, by improving compliance with a mainstay of treatment. It will also enhance
collaboration within Ontario pediatric hospitals, facilitating knowledge translation and
standardization of care across institutions.