Using blood markers to predict severe bacterial infections in young children with fever

Diagnostic Performance of a Combination of Leukocyte Cell Surface Markers in Predicting the Risk of Severe Bacterial Infection in Febrile Children Under Three Months of Age in the Emergency Department: a Pilot Study. ( CYTOFEB )

Observational Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT06618989

This study is testing if certain blood markers can help doctors tell if young children with fever have serious bacterial infections, to improve diagnosis and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages7 Days to 90 Days
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Paris, France and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06618989 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a combination of leukocyte cell surface markers in predicting the risk of severe bacterial infections (SBI) in infants under three months of age presenting with fever in the emergency department. By utilizing flow cytometry, the study will analyze blood samples to identify specific biomarkers that can help differentiate between bacterial and viral infections. The goal is to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce unnecessary antibiotic treatments in low-risk patients. The study will involve blood sampling and follow-up calls to monitor outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants aged between 7 and 90 days who present to the emergency department with a fever.

Not a fit: Patients who have chronic illnesses, known immune deficiencies, or are currently on antibiotic therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses and reduced unnecessary antibiotic use in young children with fever.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar biomarker approaches in adults, but this specific application in infants is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged between 7 and 90 days
* Visiting the emergency department with fever (Temperature greater than or equal to 38° measured rectally in the emergency department or reported by parents) OR whose fever is detected during the emergency department visit (Temperature greater than or equal to 38° measured rectally in the emergency department)
* Consent signed by one of the two parents/guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

* Weight less than 2,500 grams
* Chronic illness (heart failure...)
* Known immune deficiency
* Congenital anomaly significantly modifying the probability of bacterial infection (pulmonary malformation, esophageal atresia...)
* Antibiotic therapy in the previous 48 hours
* Clinically evident source of fever: skin infection, joint infection, etc.
* Parents or guardians unable to understand French
* Non-affiliation with a social security scheme (including AME)

Where this trial is running

Paris, France and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Children Under 3 Months of Age With Feverfeverdiagnosticsevere bacterial infections
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.