An interventional study of Dexamethasone (IV) and Normal Saline in Deep Neck Infections, sponsored by Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-11.
Sponsored by Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone as an adjunct to standard treatment in patients with deep neck infections. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a single intravenous dose of 8 mg dexamethasone or placebo in addition to standard treatment. The study evaluated changes in pain severity, interincisor distance, and body temperature, as well as the time to pain-free swallowing. Participants were followed from baseline through Day 7.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants in this arm received a single intravenous dose of 8 mg dexamethasone in addition to standard treatment for deep neck infection.
Drug: Dexamethasone (IV)
Participants in this arm received 2 mL of intravenous normal saline as placebo in addition to standard treatment for deep neck infection.
Drug: Normal Saline
Dexamethasone 8 mg was administered intravenously as a single dose in addition to standard treatment for deep neck infection.
Normal saline (2 mL) was administered intravenously as a single dose as placebo in addition to standard treatment for deep neck infection.
Change in Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. VAS scores were recorded at baseline, 24 hours, 48 hours, and Day 7.
Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours, 48 hours, and Day 7
Change in Maximum Interincisor Distance
Maximum interincisor distance was measured in millimeters (mm) as the distance between the upper and lower central incisors during maximal mouth opening. Higher values indicate greater mouth opening.
Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours, 48 hours, and Day 7
Change in Body Temperature
Body temperature was measured in degrees Celsius (°C). Higher values indicate higher body temperature.
Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours
Time to Pain-Free Swallowing
Time from administration of the study intervention to the first time the participant reported pain-free swallowing was recorded in hours. A shorter time indicates earlier resolution of swallowing-related pain.
Time frame: From study intervention until pain-free swallowing, up to Day 7
Plan to share: No — Individual participant data will not be publicly shared due to participant confidentiality and data protection considerations. Aggregated study results will be reported in the planned publication.
This study is completed, as verified in Sep 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital