- routine treatment with corticosteroids during the previous week irrespective of dose; - corticosteroid use within the previous 24 h of more than 20 mg of dexamethasone or equivalent; - patients with a known contraindication to corticosteroids; - decision by a physician that involvement in the trial is not in the patient's best interest; - pregnancy and breast-feeding; - participation in another therapeutic trial.

- routine treatment with corticosteroids during the previous week irrespective of dose; - corticosteroid use within the previous 24 h of more than 20 mg of dexamethasone or equivalent; - patients with a known contraindication to corticosteroids; - decision by a physician that involvement in the trial is not in the patient's best interest; - pregnancy and breast-feeding; - participation in another therapeutic trial.