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Corticosteroid

Steroid for Swallowing Difficulty

Phase 4
Waitlist Available
Led By Scott Daffner, MD
Research Sponsored by West Virginia University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Elective anterior approach to subaxial cervical spine (C3 - T1)
Ages 18-80
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up one year
Awards & highlights

Study Summary

This trial looks at whether a single dose of a steroid given intravenously can improve swallowing function after anterior cervical spine surgery, compared to a control group who received a saline solution.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 18-80 who are having elective neck spine surgery from the front (C3 - T1 level). It's not for those with past neck surgeries, on long-term steroids, pregnant, without a phone, or needing to wear a halo vest after surgery. People with trauma or tumors aren't eligible either.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study is testing if giving a single dose of Dexamethasone (a steroid) instead of saline (saltwater) during surgery can help with swallowing difficulties that sometimes follow anterior cervical spine operations. Participants won't know which treatment they receive.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
Dexamethasone may cause side effects like increased blood sugar levels, mood changes, stomach ulcers, and trouble fighting infections. Saline typically has no side effects but might cause vein irritation.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
Select...
I am scheduled for a specific neck surgery from the front, targeting vertebrae C3 to T1.
Select...
I am between 18 and 80 years old.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~one year
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and one year for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Change in the occurrence of dysphagia and its associated complications

Side effects data

From 2013 Phase 4 trial • 122 Patients • NCT01474915
2%
Deep Vein Thrombosis
2%
Cerebrospinal fluid leak
2%
Fever
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Study treatment Arm
Ondansetron
Aprepitant

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Treatment 1; DexamethasoneExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision.
Group II: Treatment 0; PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Dexamethasone
2007
Completed Phase 4
~2590

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

West Virginia UniversityLead Sponsor
175 Previous Clinical Trials
56,226 Total Patients Enrolled
Scott Daffner, MDPrincipal Investigator - West Virginia University
Chestnut Ridge Hospital, Ruby Memorial Hospital, West Virginia Hospitals Inc
Jefferson Medical Coll-Thos Jefferson University (Medical School)
Thos Jefferson University Hospital (Residency)
1 Previous Clinical Trials
42 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Dexamethasone (Corticosteroid) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT03711474 — Phase 4
Swallowing Difficulty Research Study Groups: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone, Treatment 0; Placebo
Swallowing Difficulty Clinical Trial 2023: Dexamethasone Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT03711474 — Phase 4
Dexamethasone (Corticosteroid) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT03711474 — Phase 4

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Are there any safety risks associated with Dexamethasone consumption?

"There is ample evidence that Dexamethasone is safe so it has been given a score of 3. This drug was approved for use in the fourth phase of trials, which supports its safety profile."

Answered by AI

Is this clinical study recruiting geriatric patients?

"As indicated by the trial eligibility requirements, applicants must be aged between 18 and 80 years old. Other trials for those under 18 or over 65 can also be found; there are 81 separate studies dedicated to minors and 551 geared towards elderly patients."

Answered by AI

Is recruitment currently underway for this particular experiment?

"Affirmative. Clinicaltrials.gov verifies that this medical trial, which was initially announced on September 7th 2018 is still recruiting patients - with the latest edition occurring October 17th 2022. 80 individuals will be needed from 1 location to complete the research project."

Answered by AI

What other scientific inquiries have been made with regards to Dexamethasone?

"Presently, there are 553 clinical trials investigating the potential of Dexamethasone. Of these studies, 144 have proceeded to Phase 3 testing. While Major cities such as Mishawaka, Indiana host a large number of research sites for this treatment; in total 18618 locations worldwide are running studies with Dexamethasone."

Answered by AI

For what clinical purposes is Dexamethasone typically utilized?

"Dexamethasone can effectively ameliorate ophthalmia, sympathetic eye disorders, and branch retinal vein occlusion."

Answered by AI

How many individuals have volunteered for this medical investigation?

"Affirmative. Examining the information available on clinicaltrials.gov, one can conclude that this medical experiment began recruiting patients since September 7th 2018 and is still active today. The research requires 80 individuals across 1 site to be enrolled in it."

Answered by AI

Is there an opportunity for me to take part in this investigation?

"This medical study is in search of 80 people with dysphagia aged 18 to 80. The primary eligibility criteria revolves around age, needing those taking part to be between the aforementioned ages."

Answered by AI
Recent research and studies
~12 spots leftby Apr 2025