Improving Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children A Multicenter Study Using a New Care Pathway in Emergency Rooms

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying community-acquired pneumonia CAP in children aged 6 months to 18 years who visit emergency departments with non-severe CAP, aiming to improve antibiotic use. CAP is a common cause of hospitalization in young children, and distinguishing between viral and bacterial pneumonia is difficult. This study evaluates a new care pathway designed to better identify bacterial infections and reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, addressing the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. The study compares a novel care pathway intervention to usual care. The intervention uses point-of-care C-reactive protein CRP testing and bioMe9rieux Spotfire testing of nasopharyngeal swabs to assess bacterial risk. Children identified as appreciable risk receive antibiotics like amoxicillin, while low-risk children are sent home without antibiotics. Participants in the control group receive standard care without influence from the study team. Participants will be assessed through clinical evaluations, CRP tests, and nasopharyngeal swabs at enrollment. Researchers will track antibiotic use within 7 days and early clinical response by day 4, along with other outcomes such as symptom resolution, hospitalization, adverse events, and caregiver perspectives over 30 days. The study runs from enrollment through 30 days of follow-up to measure how well the care pathway guides antibiotic use and clinical outcomes.

PromotIng Optimal Treatment for Community-acquired PNeumonia in EmErgency Rooms