Lung ultrasound to guide antibiotic use in kids with lung infections
Official title: Effect of Pediatric Lung Ultrasound on Antibiotic Prescriptions in Hospitalized Children and Adolescents With Lower Respiratory Tract Infections.
Run by American University of Beirut Medical Center · NCT06876766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether using pediatric lung ultrasound helps doctors decide when to stop antibiotics for hospitalized children and teens with lower respiratory tract infections.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Months to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 176 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | American University of Beirut Medical Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Beirut) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 2, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06876766 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are hospitalized children and adolescents (3 months–17 years) with lower respiratory tract infections without major comorbidities that are listed in the exclusion criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions or treatments that could affect imaging interpretation or antibiotic response, such as recent antibiotic use, immunosuppression, cystic fibrosis, or significant pre-existing chronic lung or cardiac disease, may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this randomized trial, pediatric patients aged 3 months to 17 years with lower respiratory tract infections who are admitted to the hospital are assigned to care guided by lung ultrasound versus standard care. The study aims to see if LUS can shorten antibiotic courses and potentially reduce hospital stays without harming patients. LUS is performed to inform decisions about the duration of antibiotic therapy, and a sham control is used for comparison. The trial evaluates safety, feasibility, and impact on antibiotic prescribing patterns in a real-world pediatric setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and related side effects, while maintaining effective treatment for pediatric LRTIs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research supports the safety and utility of lung ultrasound in pediatric respiratory care, but evidence on reducing antibiotic duration through LUS-guided decisions is still emerging.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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. Exclusion Criteria: * 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's running
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American University of Beirut Medical Center
Beirut, Lebanon Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.