Efficacy of a small single dose of oral dexamethasone for outpatient croup: a double blind placebo controlled clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of a single dose of oral dexamethasone 0.15 mg/kg in children with mild croup not admitted to hospital.


METHODS
Double blind, randomised, placebo controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
The emergency department of a tertiary paediatric hospital.


METHODS
100 children aged 4-122 months presenting with mild croup.


METHODS
A single oral dose of dexamethasone 0.15 mg/kg or placebo.


METHODS
Return to medical care with ongoing croup.


RESULTS
Baseline characteristics of the two treatment groups were similar. Eight children (all from the placebo group) returned to medical care with ongoing croup, one being admitted. There was no reported difference in duration of croup symptoms, duration of viral symptoms, or rate of return to medical care for other reasons.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral dexamethasone in a dose of 0.15 mg/kg is effective in reducing return to medical care with ongoing croup in children with mild croup.
Geelhoed
G C
GC
Emergency Department, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia.
Turner
J
J
Macdonald
W B
WB
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003440:Croup / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003907:Dexamethasone