Efficacy of prophylactic methylprednisolone on reducing the risk of post-extubation stridor in patients after an emergency intubation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Post-extubation stridor (PES) is one of the most common complications of invasive respiratory support, with severe cases leading to possible extubation failure (reintubation within 48 h) and increased mortality. Previous studies confirmed that prophylactic corticosteroids play an important role in reducing the risk of PES and extubation failure. However, few studies have looked at the efficacy of corticosteroids on preventing PES in patients after an emergency intubation. AIM: To evaluate whether a single dose of methylprednisolone given over a set timeframe before extubation is effective in preventing PES in patients after an emergency intubation. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will be performed in an emergency department (ED) setting. The trial will include 132 patients who fail a cuff-leak test (CLT) prior to the intervention. Patients will be randomly assigned to either intravenous methylprednisolone (40 mg) or placebo 4 h prior to extubation. Other eligible patients who pass the CLT will be included in a non-intervention (observation) group. The primary endpoint is the incidence of PES within 48 h after extubation. Secondary endpoints include oxygen therapy, respiratory support requirements, reintubation secondary to PES, adverse effects within 48 h after extubation, hospital length of stay, and hospital mortality. DISCUSSION: Patients who are intubated on an emergency basis have a higher risk of intubation-related complications. Previous studies have examined treatment regimens involving more than 10 different variations on corticosteroid treatments for PES prevention, while for ED therapy, only a simple and effective treatment would be appropriate. Corticosteroid administration is usually accompanied by adverse effects; thus, this study will be important for further risk stratification among intubated ED patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2000030349. Registered on 29 February 2020. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-020-04994-9.