Croup

2009-2013

(2013) The comparative effectiveness of prednisolone and dexamethasone for children with croup: A community-based randomized trial.

The comparative effectiveness of prednisolone and dexamethasone for children with croup: a community-based randomized trial

November 1, 2013

Garbutt JM, Conlon B, Sterkel R, Baty J, Schechtman KB, Mandrell K, Leege E, Gentry S, Stunk RC. The comparative effectiveness of prednisolone and dexamethasone for children with croup: a community-based randomized trial. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2013 Nov;52(11):1014-21. doi: 10.1177/0009922813504823. Epub 2013 Oct 3. PMID: 24092872; PMCID: PMC4019394.

Background

Although common practice, evidence to support treatment of croup with prednisolone is scant.

Methods

We conducted a community-based randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of prednisolone (2mg/kg/day for 3 days, n=41) versus one dose of dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg) and two doses of placebo (n=46). Participants were children 1–8 years of age with croup symptoms ≤48hr, categorized as mild (42%) or moderate (58%).

Results

There were no differences for those treated with dexamethasone or prednisolone for additional healthcare for croup (2% vs. 7%, p=0.34), duration of croup symptoms (2.8 days vs. 2.2 days, p=0.63), non-barky cough (6.1 days vs. 5.9 days, p=0.81), nights with disturbed sleep for the parent (0.68 nights vs. 1.21 nights, p=0.55), and days with stress (1.39 days vs. 1.56 days, p=0.51).

Conclusion

There were no detected differences in outcomes between the two croup treatments for either child or parent.