Adjuvant Steroids in Adults with Pandemic Influenza
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Early low dose steroids for adults admitted to hospital with influenza-like illness during a pandemic: a randomised placebo controlled trial
IRAS ID
108256
Contact name
Wei Shen Lim
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Eudract number
2013-001051-12
ISRCTN Number
n/a
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a
Research summary
During a pandemic, influenza infection can be severe because the population has little or no immune protection to the new virus. In such circumstances, severe influenza may lead to hospitalisation, admission to intensive care or death. A pandemic also poses challenges for health care systems which may be over-stretched leading to further detrimental impacts on patient care. Current treatment options for influenza, including antivirals, are only partly effective at reducing adverse outcomes. Clinical trials of corticosteroids in patients with pneumonia or severe ‘blood poisoning’ have reported improved outcomes. There is uncertainty whether corticosteroids might also improve the recovery of patients with severe influenza infection. The ASAP trial will investigate whether low-dose corticosteroids (dexamethasone 6 mg once a day for 5 days) given to adults (aged 16 years and over) within 24 hours of admission to hospital with an influenza-like illness in addition to standard treatment are beneficial.
The influenza pandemics of the last century have typically spread in 2 or more waves, each wave approximately of 6 weeks duration. Therefore, we aim to complete recruitment (2200 patients) within a 6 week period corresponding to the first pandemic wave in order to inform pandemic management before the subsequent waves strike.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/SC/0436
Date of REC Opinion
29 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion