Testing macrolide antibiotics for treating pneumonia in children

Randomized Controlled Trial of Macrolide Therapy for Mycoplasma pneumoniae

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10620551

This study is looking at whether adding azithromycin to standard antibiotics helps kids in the hospital with Mycoplasma pneumonia, so we can find out the best way to treat them and avoid giving them unnecessary medicine.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10620551 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of macrolide antibiotics, specifically azithromycin, in treating children hospitalized with Mycoplasma pneumoniae community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The study will involve randomly assigning participants to receive either a combination of beta-lactam antibiotics and azithromycin or beta-lactam antibiotics with a placebo. By comparing these two groups, the research aims to provide clear evidence on the necessity and effectiveness of macrolide therapy, potentially reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and associated complications in pediatric patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children who are hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Not a fit: Patients with pneumonia caused by other pathogens or those not requiring hospitalization may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for children suffering from pneumonia, improving recovery rates and reducing hospital stays.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown varying results regarding the effectiveness of macrolides for pneumonia, making this trial a critical step in determining their true benefit in pediatric cases.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.