Contributions of a survey and retrospective cohort study to the planning of a randomised controlled trial of corticosteroids in the treatment of paediatric septic shock.

The survey provided valuable information on the choice of primary outcome, target population and physician equipoise. The retrospective study provided estimates of patient numbers, the minimal clinically important difference, evidence for community equipoise and physician practice patterns. Strong consideration should be given to performing both types of studies prior to conducting RCTs in paediatric critical-care environments.