Steroid administration Outcomes in treatment of Dental Abscess (SODA)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Steroid administration Outcomes in hospital treatment of Dental Abscesses. A randomised controlled open label trial of Dexamethasone 6.6mg for dental abscess requiring admission to hospital. (SODA)
IRAS ID
283194
Contact name
Samuel Kent
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Univeristy of South Wales
Eudract number
2020-002730-32
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Complicated dental abscess is a common indication for admission to Maxillofacial surgery departments in the UK. Swelling caused by these infections can cause pain, reduced mouth opening, swallowing difficulties and airway compromise. Any medication with potential to reduce this swelling could assist in symptom control and potentially reduce length of hospital stay. Steroid administration reduces pain, improves mouth opening and may shorten length of stay in patients with similar conditions such as peritonsillar abscess, pharyngitis and orbital cellulitis. Whilst some departments use steroids in severe dental abscesses, no trial has been made of single dose steroid for all patients admitted to hospital with dental abscess.
At present, questions remain over what the likely enrolment rates to a clinical trial might be and what sample size would be required by a randomised controlled trial to show a difference in primary outcome. This feasibility study aims to answer these questions.
REC name
Wales REC 1
REC reference
21/WA/0164
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion