Eligibility
Local study conflicts
- None
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged 16 years old or over
- A current clinical diagnosis of cellulitis at any body site except the orbit (periorbital/orbital cellulitis)
- Able to provide informed consent
- People of child-bearing potential must be willing to:
- Use a highly effective method of contraception* (and must agree to continue 3 months post-treatment)
- Inform the trial team if pregnancy occurs during trial participation
Exclusion Criteria:
- Orbital or periorbital cellulitis, surgical site infection, or planned surgical management (e.g abscess) as managed under a different clinical pathway
- Allergy to dexamethasone
- Contraindication to dexamethasone due to concurrent medication (e.g. cobicistat)
- Has known current invasive fungal infection
- Has known current gastric or duodenal ulceration
- Already on corticosteroids
- Unable to take oral medication
- Lack of capacity
- Inability to complete follow-up procedures
- Prisoner
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive in next 3 months
Note:
- combined (oestrogen and progestogen containing) hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation (oral, intravaginal, or transdermal);
- progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation (oral, injectable, or implantable);
- intrauterine device(IUD);
- intrauterine hormone-releasing system (IUS);
- bilateral tubal occlusion;
- vasectomised partner;
- practising true sexual abstinence (when this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the individual).
*Highly effective contraception is defined as one of the following:
If the patient is eligible:
Gain verbal agreement in principle before proceeding. Explain:
- Taking part in research is likely to improve the quality of their care
- Risks are carefully controlled - research is safe
- Explain the uncertainty that exists with respect to treatment of their condition;
- If they change their mind they can withdraw their participation at any point
Step-by-Step Guide to Recruitment:
In the working hours of the research team:
- The Emergency Department Research Team are available Monday to Friday, 0700-1500 or 0800-1600
- Please contact the Emergency Department Research Team on 07553790703 when an eligible patient presents to the ED or UTC.
Out of hours and weekends:
Out-of-hours recruitment training coming soon. If you wish to get involved please get in touch with the ED Research Team on 07553790703 and stees.edstudies@nhs.net