Effect of Pediatric Lung Ultrasound on Antibiotic Prescriptions in Hospitalized Children and Adolescents With Lower Respiratory Tract Infections. A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group
Conditions studied: Lower Resp Tract Infection
In brief
Title: Effect of Pediatric Lung Ultrasound on Antibiotic Prescriptions in Hospitalized Children and Adolescents with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (PLUS-AP Trial) Purpose of the Study: This study is being done to find out if a type of imaging called lung ultrasound (LUS) can help doctors decide when to stop antibiotics in children and teens who are in the hospital with lung infections, like pneumonia. Antibiotics are often given to these patients, but sometimes they are used for longer than necessary, which can be harmful. The investigators want to see if using LUS helps doctors make decisions that reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, which can help prevent antibiotic resistance and other complications. What is Lung Ultrasound (LUS)? Lung ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive, and painless test that uses sound waves to look at the lungs. It doesn't involve radiation like chest X-rays. It is already being used to help doctors understand lung conditions, and this study will test if it can also help in deciding when to stop antibiotics. How the Study Works: Participants: Children and adolescents (ages 3 months-18 years) who are admitted to the hospital with a lung infection. Groups: LUS Group: These patients will have a lung ultrasound within 24 hours of enrollment. The results will help guide decisions about when to stop antibiotics. Standard Care Group: These patients will receive regular hospital care, which may include chest X-rays and other tests to guide their treatment. What Will Be Measured? Primary Goal: The study will measure how long children and teens stay on antibiotics. The investigators are testing whether LUS can help shorten this time without affecting their recovery. Secondary Goals: Investigators will also look at how long patients stay in the hospital, whether they need further treatment or care after leaving. Why is This Important? If this study shows that LUS can safely reduce the use of antibiotics, it could change how doctors treat lung infections in children. Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use can help fight antibiotic resistance and protect children from side effects of unnecessary treatments.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT06876766
- Run by
- American University of Beirut Medical Center
- People needed
- 176
- Starts
- 2025-04-02
- Expected to finish
- 2027-06-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-07-02
Who can join
Age: 0 and older, up to 18. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Age between 3 months and 17 years old inclusive
- Currently admitted to the pediatric Ward or boarding in the Emergency Department within 24 hours of admission order due to lower respiratory tract infections.
You may not qualify if…
- Sickle cell disease (SCD).
- On chemotherapy or any other immunosuppressive therapy except systemic corticosteroids use of ≤ 5 days duration.
- Cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung diseases except asthma
- Pre-existing and/or congenital neurologic, metabolic, and cardiac conditions
- Hospitalized within the previous month
- Patients with suspected foreign body aspiration -Received antibiotic therapy within the previous week
- Patients admitted under PI's care
Where it is running
- American University of Beirut Medical Center — Beirut, Lebanon (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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