NCT06892210

Comparing Hydrocortisone and Prednisolone for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD)

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 4
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 2,000 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Copenhagen Respiratory Research · Network
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this cluster randomized controlled trial is to determine the optimal treatment for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The study compares the effects and side effects of hydrocortisone and prednisolone in patients above 40 years old diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute exacerbation. The main question is whether there is a difference in readmission for COPD excerbation or all cause mortality within thirty days. Participants will randomized to receive treatment with either hydrocortisone or prednisolone.

Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Methylprednisolone (drug)	ATC code: H02AB06. Can be changed to Prednisolone 50 mg orally.
DRUG	Hydrocortisone	ATC-code: H02AB09. Can be changed to 50 mg x 4 daily orally if appropriate.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-10
• Primary completion: 2030-08-01
• Completion: 2030-11-01
• First posted: 2025-03-24
• Last updated: 2026-03-18

Locations

14 sites across 1 country: Denmark