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Study on the Effectiveness of Prednisolone for Treating Acute Laryngitis in Vocal Professionals

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What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial is focused on studying the treatment of acute laryngitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the voice box, often leading to hoarseness. The study is specifically targeting vocal professionals, such as singers, who are experiencing hoarseness that began during or after flu symptoms and has lasted for less than three weeks. The treatment being tested is an oral medication called Prednisolone, which is a type of corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medications that help reduce inflammation in the body.

The purpose of the study is to determine how effective oral corticosteroid therapy is compared to a placebo in treating acute laryngitis among vocal professionals. Participants in the study will be given either Prednisolone or a placebo to take orally. The study will monitor the duration of vocal symptoms and any inflammatory changes in the larynx, especially in the vocal cords, using a procedure called laryngoscopy, which allows doctors to look at the back of the throat, including the voice box.

The study will take place over a period of time, with participants being observed for changes in their symptoms and any improvements in their condition. The goal is to gather information that could help improve treatment options for those suffering from acute laryngitis, particularly individuals who rely on their voice for their profession. The study is expected to continue until the end of 2027.

The research process

The trial runs in 5 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Joining the study

    Upon joining the study, you will be informed about the purpose and procedures involved. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral medication called prednisolone in treating acute laryngitis, a condition that causes hoarseness, especially among vocal professionals.

  2. Step 2

    Initial assessment

    An initial assessment will be conducted to confirm your eligibility. This includes verifying that your hoarseness started during or after flu symptoms and has lasted for less than three weeks. You must be between 18 and 64 years old, fluent in Finnish, and a vocal professional or studying to become one.

  3. Step 3

    Medication administration

    If eligible, you will receive the study medication, prednisolone, in the form of a white, flat round tablet with a diameter of 9 mm. The dosage is 20 mg, taken orally. The frequency and duration of administration will be explained to you during this stage.

  4. Step 4

    Monitoring and follow-up

    Throughout the study, your vocal symptoms will be monitored. The primary focus is on the duration of these symptoms. Additionally, any inflammatory findings in the larynx, particularly in the vocal cords, will be observed using a procedure called laryngoscopy.

  5. Step 5

    Completion of the study

    The study is expected to conclude by December 31, 2027. Upon completion, the results will contribute to understanding the effectiveness of prednisolone in treating acute laryngitis among vocal professionals.

Who can join the trial?

4 criteria

  • Hoarseness that starts during or after flu symptoms and has lasted for less than three weeks. Hoarseness means your voice sounds rough or weak.
  • Fluency in the Finnish language. This means you can speak and understand Finnish well.
  • Minimum age of 18 years and maximum age of 64 years. You must be between 18 and 64 years old.
  • Vocal professionals or those studying to become one. This includes people who use their voice professionally, like singers or actors, or those training for such careers.

Who cannot join the trial?

7 criteria

  • Patients with any other throat infections or conditions besides acute laryngitis cannot participate. Acute laryngitis is a sudden inflammation of the voice box, often causing hoarseness or loss of voice.
  • Individuals who are currently taking or have recently taken corticosteroids are excluded. Corticosteroids are a type of medication used to reduce inflammation in the body.
  • Participants with known allergies to corticosteroids or any components of the study medication cannot join.
  • People with a history of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are not eligible. Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not allowed to participate.
  • Individuals with any other significant medical conditions that might interfere with the study are excluded.
  • Participants who are unable to comply with the study procedures or follow-up visits are not eligible.
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Investigated drugs

Corticosteroid is a type of medication that helps reduce inflammation in the body. In this clinical trial, it is being used to treat acute laryngitis, which is an inflammation of the voice box, or larynx, often causing hoarseness or loss of voice. The goal of using corticosteroids in this study is to see if they can help vocal professionals and singers recover their voice more quickly and effectively by reducing the swelling and irritation in their throat.

What is already known about the treatment

Corticosteroid – This medication is taken orally, meaning it is swallowed in pill form. It is currently being studied for its effectiveness in treating acute laryngitis, especially in people who use their voice professionally, like singers. The main purpose of using corticosteroids in this context is to reduce inflammation in the vocal cords, which can help alleviate symptoms like hoarseness and pain. At the molecular level, corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune system's response, which decreases inflammation. They are classified as anti-inflammatory drugs.

Investigated diseases

Acute laryngitis – Acute laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, commonly known as the voice box, which often results in a sudden onset of hoarseness or loss of voice. It is typically caused by viral infections, such as those associated with the common cold or flu, but can also result from overuse of the voice, bacterial infections, or irritants like smoke. The condition usually begins with symptoms of a sore throat, dry cough, and difficulty speaking. As the inflammation progresses, the vocal cords may swell, leading to a raspy or weak voice. In some cases, the inflammation can cause discomfort or pain in the throat. The symptoms generally resolve within a few days to a week as the inflammation subsides.
Trial detailsLast updated 7 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase ITrial ID2024-512192-12-00Estimated enrolment70 patientsSponsorHUS-yhtymae

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