Which steroid works best for COPD attacks? major trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT06892210
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two steroids, hydrocortisone and prednisolone, in 2000 adults over 40 with COPD flare-ups. The goal is to see which one reduces hospital readmissions and deaths within 30 days. Participants are randomly assigned to one of the two treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- hydrocortisone and prednisolone (corticosteroids)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could identify which steroid works best for COPD flare-ups, potentially reducing hospital readmissions and deaths.
- What could go wrong
- This is a late-stage trial but compares two similar drugs already in use, so a dramatic breakthrough is unlikely. Results may show no meaningful difference.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
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About 2,000 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2030
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A research network
The lead sponsor is a research network or cooperative group.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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40 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥40 years * Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute exacerbation, unspecified: ICDJ44 Exclusion Criteria: * All diagnoses that would merit treatment with a specific corticosteroid * Pregnant or breastfeeding women * Active tuberculosis or invasive fungal infection
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Get notified about this study
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
14 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Amager Hospital
RECRUITINGCopenhagen, Copenhagen City, 2300, Denmark
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Bispebjerg Hospital
RECRUITINGCopenhagen, Copenhagen City, 2400, Denmark
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Bornholm Hospital
RECRUITINGRønne, Bornholm, 3700, Denmark
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Frederiksberg Hospital
RECRUITINGFrederiksberg, Copenhagen City, 2000, Denmark
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Gentofte Hospital
RECRUITINGHellerup, Copenhagen City, 2900, Denmark
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Herlev Hospital
RECRUITINGHerlev, Copnhagen Surroundings, 2730, Denmark
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Holbæk Sygehus
RECRUITINGHolbæk, Region Sjælland, 4300, Denmark
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Hvidovre Hospital
RECRUITINGHvidovre, Copnhagen Surroundings, 2650, Denmark
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Nordsjællands Hospital
RECRUITINGHillerød, North Zealand, 3400, Denmark
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Næstved Sygehus
RECRUITINGNæstved, Region Sjælland, 4700, Denmark
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Ringsted Sygehus
RECRUITINGRingsted, Region Sjælland, 4100, Denmark
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Slagelse Sygehus
RECRUITINGSlagelse, Region Sjælland, 4200, Denmark
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University Hospital of Region Zealand, Køge
RECRUITINGKøge, Region Sjælland, 4600, Denmark
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University Hospital of Region Zealand, Roskilde
RECRUITINGRoskilde, Region Sjælland, 4000, Denmark
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