RecruitingPHASE4INTERVENTIONAL

Dosing of Steroids for Acute Asthma Given in the Emergency Department - a Pilot Randomised Feasibility Trial of Dexamethasone in Children

Doctors are testing two different doses of a steroid called dexamethasone, given by mouth, to treat children who come to the emergency department with asthma attacks. This is important because steroids are a main treatment for asthma, and dexamethasone is often used because it's well-tolerated and only needs one dose. The study will check if one dose works better at stopping children from needing more steroids or visiting the doctor again for asthma within two weeks. They will also ask parents and children what they think about the treatment. This is a small initial study to help plan a bigger one in the future, which will provide clearer answers and make sure the study focuses on things that matter most to families and healthcare staff.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

PHASE4

Sponsor

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

104

Start

23 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2026

Acute Asthma Dexamethasone

What is this study about?

Asthma is a very common condition for children in the UK, and unfortunately, many end up in emergency departments (EDs) with asthma attacks. When this happens, steroids given by mouth are a key part of the treatment to help reduce swelling and mucus in the airways, making it easier for children to breathe.

Traditionally, a steroid called prednisolone was often used. However, children sometimes struggle to keep prednisolone down, and it needs to be taken for several days. Dexamethasone is another steroid which is easier for children to take because it's usually better tolerated, and because it works for a longer time, often only a single dose is needed. Studies have shown that dexamethasone works just as well as prednisolone for asthma attacks, and children are less likely to be sick or not take all their medicine.

Currently, some EDs use one dose of dexamethasone and others use a different dose, and no one is quite sure which is best. This study aims to compare two common doses of dexamethasone for children presenting with asthma attacks. The main goal is to see if one dose is better at stopping children from needing more steroids or coming back to the emergency department or their GP within two weeks. They will also consider what parents and children think about the treatment received. This is a small, early-stage study that will help doctors plan a larger, more detailed study in the future to get even clearer answers and make sure the treatment is as good as it can be for children with asthma.

Key takeaways

Tests two common doses of a single-dose asthma steroid (dexamethasone).
Aims to find the best dose to prevent further asthma issues for children.
Follow-up for two weeks after emergency department treatment.
Dexamethasone is well-tolerated and commonly used.
This is a small study to help plan a larger, more definitive one.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children aged between 4 and 15 years old who come to the emergency department because of an asthma attack. For your child to join, the doctors must believe that steroids given by mouth are the right treatment for their asthma attack according to standard guidelines.

We understand that not all parents speak English. If you speak Slovakian, Arabic, or Urdu, you and your child can still take part, as we will have interpreters and information in these languages.

However, some children might not be suitable for this study. For example, if your child has had oral or intravenous (IV) steroids in the last two weeks, or if they are known to be allergic to the study medicine, they wouldn't be able to join. Also, if they have a very serious, life-threatening asthma attack, or if this is their very first time having wheezing (and haven't been diagnosed with asthma before), they wouldn't be included. Children with certain other medical conditions or those already taking part in another study would also not be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child between 4 and 15 years old?
Is your child coming to the emergency department for an asthma attack?
Has your child NOT had steroids (by mouth or injection) in the last two weeks?
Has your child been diagnosed with asthma before (not their first wheezing episode)?
Are you able to communicate with the medical staff (interpreters available for Slovakian, Arabic, Urdu)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, they will receive either one of two different doses of dexamethasone by mouth, as decided by the study team. Both doses are already used in hospitals. After receiving the medicine in the emergency department, the study team will keep in touch to see how your child is doing for two weeks. This will mainly involve checking if they needed any more steroids for asthma or if they had to visit the emergency department or their GP again for their asthma. You might be asked about your and your child's experience with the medication. The total time you'd be involved in the study's follow-up is around two weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help doctors understand the best dose of dexamethasone for children with asthma attacks, possibly leading to better treatment in the future for many children. Dexamethasone is a commonly used and generally well-tolerated medicine, but like all medications, it can have side effects. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as feeling a bit restless or having an upset stomach. You will be closely monitored by hospital staff, and if you or your child feel unwell at any point, you should tell the doctors immediately. Remember, deciding whether or not to take part is entirely up to you and your child, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your child's medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Sheffield, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is a type of steroid medicine that helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the body, which is useful during an asthma attack.

Why is this study important?

This study helps doctors figure out the most effective single dose of dexamethasone for children's asthma attacks, aiming for the best possible care.

Will my child definitely get dexamethasone?

Yes, if your child is eligible for the study and you agree, they will receive one of the two dexamethasone doses being tested.

What happens after we leave the emergency department?

The study team will check in with you for two weeks to see if your child needed more asthma medicine or doctor visits.

Can we stop participating at any time?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any point, and it won't affect your child's medical treatment in any way.

How to find out more

Meena Balasubramanian

meena.balasubramanian@nhs.net 0114 3053136 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.