Evaluating ultrasound findings in children with pneumonia
Prognostic Role of Ultrasonographic Air Bronchogram in the Management of Community Acquired Pneumoniae in Children
This study is testing if certain ultrasound results can help doctors understand how children with pneumonia will recover and how long they might need to stay in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 1 Year to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Roma and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03556488 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study assesses the prognostic significance of the arborescent air bronchogram, an ultrasound finding associated with lung consolidation in pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Conducted at a single center, it aims to determine how these ultrasound findings correlate with clinical outcomes such as the rate of uncomplicated infections, time to resolution of symptoms, changes in antibiotic therapy, and length of hospital stay. Pediatric patients aged 1 to 16 years with suspected CAP will undergo clinical evaluations, microbiological tests, and chest radiography, followed by ultrasound assessments performed by blinded pulmonologists.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 1 to 16 years who are suspected of having community-acquired pneumonia and show radiographic evidence of lung consolidation.
Not a fit: Patients with gestational age less than 36 weeks, previous cystic fibrosis diagnosis, congenital pulmonary diseases, or those who refuse to participate may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the management of pediatric pneumonia by improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound in pneumonia diagnosis is gaining traction, this specific approach focusing on air bronchograms in pediatric patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Suspected CAP * Age from 1 to 16 years old * Admission to Pediatric Unit * Radiographic evidence of lung consolidation * Written informed consent from parents Exclusion Criteria: * Gestational age \< 36 weeks * Previous diagnosis of cystic fibrosis * Congenital pulmonary disease. * Refusal to participate.
Where this trial is running
Roma and 1 other locations
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli — Roma, Italy (Recruiting)
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste - Ospedale di Cattinara — Trieste, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Riccardo Inchingolo, MD, PhD — Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS
- Study coordinator: Riccardo Inchingolo, MD, PhD
- Email: riccardo.inchingolo@policlinicogemelli.it
- Phone: +390630154236
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.