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Corticosteroids to Treat Pancreatitis

Corticosteroids to Reduce Inflammation in Severe Pancreatitis: A Randomized, Controlled Study

Who can join

Ages 18 to 99 · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult (≥18 years)
2. Acute pancreatitis as defined by a clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis and a lipase level ≥3x the upper limit of normal.
3. Admission or planned admission to an intensive care unit
4. SOFA disease severity score ≥3 (or at least 3 points above a known baseline)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis
2. Existing clinical indication for corticosteroids at a dose \>5mg of oral prednisone daily (or equivalent)
3. Contraindication to receiving corticosteroids
4. Protected populations (prisoners)
5. Pregnancy

About the study

This research is being done to determine if the administration of a short course of intravenous hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory medication, to patients with severe acute pancreatitis will improve their clinical outcomes and decrease the length of hospitalization. We think that because inflammation in the body drives the progression of pancreatitis, giving a short course of intravenous hydrocortisone may mitigate disease progression and improve clinical outcomes in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

What is being tested

• Hydrocortisone (drug)
• Placebo (drug)

Sponsor: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Participants: 86 · Started: Mar 6, 2022

Contact the study team

• Michael Donnino, MD · Phone: 6177542295

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05160506

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Pancreatitis

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.