Rapid multiplex PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage to guide antibiotics for ventilator-associated pneumonia
Fast Multiplex PCR of Bronchoalveolar Lavage for Antibiotic Stewardship in Ventilator Associated Pneumonia. A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Study
This trial tests whether using a fast multiplex PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage samples helps doctors choose the right antibiotics sooner for adults on mechanical ventilation suspected of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 265 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CHU de Reims Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Reims) |
| Trial ID | NCT06554327 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a multicenter, randomized controlled trial in eight university intensive care units in the Grand-Est region of France comparing multiplex PCR plus standard bacterial culture versus bacterial culture alone for suspected VAP. The multiplex test used is the BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia Panel Plus, performed on bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and able to detect multiple bacterial DNA targets and resistance genes. Standard culture and susceptibility results typically take 48–72 hours, while the PCR gives much faster results that could inform empirical antibiotic choices. The primary comparison is the percentage of appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy in patients with culture-confirmed VAP.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adult ICU patients on mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours with suspected VAP who have an indication for bronchoalveolar lavage and meet consent and coverage requirements.
Not a fit: Patients who will not have bronchoalveolar lavage, those intubated less than 48 hours, those with a prior VAP during the same hospital stay, pregnant patients, or patients under legal protection/no social security are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could let clinicians choose more appropriate antibiotics sooner, reducing unnecessary broad-spectrum use and potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows multiplex PCR panels detect pathogens and resistance markers faster than culture, but clinical trials have produced mixed results on whether that speed consistently translates into more appropriate antibiotic use or better outcomes in ICUs.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
inclusion criteria : * Adult patients, hospitalized in intensive care unit * on mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours * Suspected VAP * With an indication for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) exclusion criteria : * Patients under legal protection or without social security coverage * Pregnant women * Previous episode of VAP during the same hospitalization
Where this trial is running
Reims
- Damien JOLLY — Reims, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Antoine GOURY
- Email: agoury@chu-reims.fr
- Phone: 03 10 73 68 85
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.