Corticosteroids in Community-acquired Pneumonia

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of addition of corticosteroid therapy to antibiotics in children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. The hypothesis is that the use of corticosteroids decreases the length of stay in children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.

Detailed Description
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Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common problem in pediatric practice. The lower respiratory tract infections, particularly pneumonia, are a frequent cause of morbidity in children and is the leading cause of mortality in developing countries. In the last 20 years, despite several research, only a small decrease in morbidity and mortality has been achieved. Corticosteroids have an immune-modulation effect, not completely elucidated. Most likely, this effect is due to down regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We postulate that adding corticosteroids to antibiotic treatment of CAP might change the immune response and thereby reduce morbidity, leading to a decrease in patients hospital length of stay.

Official Title
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Use of Corticosteroids in Children Hospitalized With Community-acquired Pneumonia

Conditions
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Community-acquired Pneumonia

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: corticosteroid


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Children hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia 2-18 years old Exclusion Criteria: Pulmonary chronic disease (including asthma) Immunodeficiency Diseases wich requires corticosteroids therapy (i.e. rheumatic diseases) Wheezing in current disease Previous hospitalization (14 days prior to admission) Pleural effusion on admission Malnutrition

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 2 Years
Maximum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Corticosteroid<br>Dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg/day or Methylprednisone 1 mg/kg/day | Drug: corticosteroid<br>* Dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg/day or Methylprednisone 1 mg/kg/day<br>|
| No Intervention: Control<br>No intervention | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Length of stay |  | participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, usually 5 days | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Length of fever |  | participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, usually 5 days | 
| Length of oxygen use |  | participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, usually 5 days | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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community-acquired pneumonia, children, respiratory infections