Effect of dexamethasone on respiratory syncytial virus-induced lung inflammation in children: results of a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial.

Inflammatory mediators play a major role in the pathogenesis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of i.v.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of dexamethasone in severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection: effects on RSV quantity and clinical outcome.

Forty-one previously healthy children <2 years of age who required mechanical ventilation for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection were randomized to receive dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg; n=22) or saline placebo (n=19) intravenously every 12 h for 4 days. RSV quantity was measured by quantitative plaque assay in fresh tracheal and nasal aspirates obtained at intervals of 24+/-3 h on days 0, 1, 2, 5, and 7 following entry.