Actively Recruiting
Led by Christoph Berger · Updated on 2026-05-05
376
Participants Needed
13
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
C
Christoph Berger
Lead Sponsor
S
Swiss National Science Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
Researchers are evaluating whether antibiotic treatment is necessary for children with community-acquired pneumonia caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This trial compares the effects of a commonly used antibiotic, azithromycin, with a placebo in children aged 3 to 17 years. The study addresses concerns about increasing antibiotic resistance and aims to improve treatment decisions for this common cause of pneumonia in children. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either azithromycin or a placebo for five days. The azithromycin group takes a daily dose of 10mg/kg on the first day followed by 5mg/kg on days 2 through 5. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial takes place across multiple pediatric centers and includes both ambulatory and hospitalized children. The study involves initial screening to confirm Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection using a specific antibody test before starting the assigned treatment. During the study, researchers will monitor symptom duration, vital signs, and changes in patient care status for up to 28 days. They will also assess overall clinical outcomes, symptom resolution, quality of life impacts on the family, time to return to normal daily activities, and the development of any complications related to the infection. Follow-up includes clinical examinations and parent reports to track progress and safety throughout the study period.
CONDITIONS
A Trial of Placebo Versus Macrolide for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Childhood Pneumonia: MYTHIC Study
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Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 5 days
Participants receive either a 5-day course of azithromycin or placebo to treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection causing community-acquired pneumonia.
1 baseline visit and daily medication for 5 days
Duration - Up to 28 days after treatment
Participants are monitored for up to 28 days after treatment to assess recovery, symptom normalization, and quality of life impact.
Periodic follow-up assessments during 28 days
Total: 13 locations
1
Children's Hospital Aarau, Switzerland
Aarau, Canton of Aargau, Switzerland, 5001
Active, Not Recruiting
2
University of Basel Children's Hospital, Switzerland
Basel, Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland, 4056
Actively Recruiting
3
University Children's Hospital Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Canton of Bern, Switzerland, 3010
Actively Recruiting
4
Department of Pediatrics, Fribourg Hospital, Switzerland
Fribourg, Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland, 1708
Not Yet Recruiting
5
Children's Hospital of Geneva, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland, 1205
Not Yet Recruiting
6
Children's Hospital of Central Switzerland, Switzerland
Lucerne, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland, 6000
Actively Recruiting
7
Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland St. Gallen
Sankt Gallen, Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, 9006
Actively Recruiting
8
Department of Pediatrics, Department Mother-Woman-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, 1011
Not Yet Recruiting
9
Department of Pediatrics, Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Switzerland
Winterthur, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, 8401
Actively Recruiting
10
University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, 8032
Actively Recruiting
11
Department of Pediatrics, Triemli Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, 8063
Not Yet Recruiting
12
Institute of Pediatrics of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
Bellinzona, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, 6500
Not Yet Recruiting
13
Department of Pediatrics, Cantonal Hospital Graubuenden, Switzerland
Chur, Kanton Graubünden, Switzerland, 7000
Actively Recruiting
P
Patrick M Meyer Sauteur, PD Dr. Dr. med.
M
Margarete Von Wantoch, Dr. rer. nat.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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