ACTRN12621001200875.

Study name	A randomised controlled trial of dexamethasone for emergency and life‐threatening admissions due to COVID‐19 in virtual care: the DELTA study
Methods	Trial design: triple‐blind, randomised controlled trial Sample size: 650 Setting: outpatient Language: English Number of centres: not stated Type of intervention (treatment/prevention): treatment
Participants	Inclusion criteria: Adult patients (age greater than or equal to 18 years) Currently in Special Health Accommodation (SHA) Confirmed COVID‐19 on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing within the last 14 days Exhibiting mild/moderate COVID‐19 symptoms (fever, respiratory tract symptoms, dyspnoea, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms), with no requirement for oxygen or hospitalisation Within 72 hours of onset of mild/moderate COVID‐19 symptoms Requiring medical consultation by RPA Virtual Hospital doctors Exclusion criteria: Currently taking oral or inhaled corticosteroids Major medical or psychiatric co‐morbidities precluding the use of corticosteroids (e.g. poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, chronic heart disease, chronic renal disease, chronic liver failure, schizophrenia or thought disorder, bipolar disorder) Immunosuppression or treatment for malignancy Hypersensitivity to corticosteroids, thiamine, wheat, lactose, povidone, maize starch or magnesium stearate History of alcohol dependence or at risk alcohol intake At risk of thiamine deficiency (e.g. eating disorders, chronic malabsorption) Requires urgent transfer to the emergency department at the time of assessment Patient declines or is unable to provide consent Lactating or pregnant women No access to a personal or loaned electronic device Unable to read or write English
Interventions	Details of intervention: dexamethasone plus usual care Dose: 6 mg per day, for 2 days Route of administration: oral Treatment details of control group (e.g. dose, route of administration): probably placebo (not explicitly explained) Concomitant therapy: not stated
Outcomes	Primary study outcome: COVID‐19 related hospitalisation, defined as COVID‐19 related emergency presentation (excluding injuries and presentations for social reasons), or hospital admission or intensive care unit admission or death
Starting date	20 September 2021
Contact information	Prof Michael Dinh Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Level 10, King George V Building, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050 Australia Telephone: +61 419620654 Email: Michael.Dinh@health.nsw.gov.au
Notes	Recruitment status: recruiting Prospective completion date: not stated Date last update was posted: 10 December 2021 Sponsor/funding: Royal Prince Alfred Hospital