Efficacy Of Oral Dexamethasone Versus Parenteral Dexamethasone In The Management Of Mild To Moderate Croup

Last updated: January 28, 2026
Sponsor: Arooj Khan
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Throat And Tonsil Infections

Treatment

oral dexamethasone

intramuscular dexamethasone

Clinical Study ID

NCT06959407
410/DME/KMC
  • Ages 2-12
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is a viral infection of the upper airway that causes throat swelling, leading to a barking cough, stridor, and hoarseness. It mainly affects children aged 6 months to 12 years, peaking at around 2 years. Most cases are mild and self-limiting. Emergency treatments include cool mist, nebulized epinephrine, and steroids. Steroid therapy, particularly dexamethasone (oral or intramuscular), is commonly used, with recent studies suggesting intramuscular dexamethasone may be more effective. However, most research has focused on hospitalized patients, and there is a lack of local data for mild cases. This study aims to address that gap and improve patient counseling and future research

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patient age 2 to 12 years

  • Both genders

  • Diagnosed with croup as operational definitions

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients with chronic pulmonary disease like tuberculosis,

  • Allergy or contraindication of corticosteroid (history of tuberous sclerosis,history of varicella infection during the past three weeks), to corticosteroids,

  • history of corticosteroid administration during the last four weeks,

  • foreign body

  • patients with immunodeficiency disorder

Study Design

Total Participants: 200
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: oral dexamethasone
Phase:
Study Start date:
October 01, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
March 01, 2025

Connect with a study center

  • Khyber Teaching Hospital

    Peshawar, KPK 25000
    Pakistan

    Site Not Available

  • Khyber Teaching Hospital

    Peshawar 1168197, KPK 25000
    Pakistan

    Site Not Available

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