MedPath

Ultrasonographic Air Bronchogram in Pediatric CAP

Recruiting
Conditions
Pneumonia
Pediatric Infectious Disorder
Registration Number
NCT03556488
Lead Sponsor
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
Brief Summary

This study evaluates the prognostic role of the change of arborescent air bronchogram, a typical ultrasonographic finding of lung consolidation due to pneumonia, in the management of pediatric CAP.

Detailed Description

This is a single-center prospective study to evaluate the prognostic role of the change of arborescent air bronchogram, a typical ultrasonographic finding of lung consolidation due to pneumonia, in the management of CAP in terms of: 1) impact on rate of uncomplicated respiratory infections \[rate of uncomplicated CAP\], 2) relationship to the time of resolution of clinical signs \[time to resolution of fever\], 3) change of antibiotic therapy not guided by microbiological examinations and, 4) length of hospitalization.

At admission, the Pediatric will evaluate clinical signs of respiratory distress, request microbiologic tests (nasopharyngeal swab specimens and pneumococcal urinary antigen) to detect causative pathogens of CAP, and laboratory tests (complete blood cell count, acute-phase reactants C-reactive protein). Finally, all children will undergo chest radiography (CXR). If CXR should be performed before the admission to Pediatric Unit, the radiological exam will be not repeated.

Ultrasonographic evaluation will be performed by Pulmonologists. The first examination will be performed within 12 hours from admission. The Pulmonologists will be blind to clinical and radiological data.

In order to characterize the lung consolidation, a grading system based on the presence and the features of air bronchogram \[static, dynamic, dynamic with areas of lung recruitment\] will be adopted. The operator will collect and store images and videos (10seconds), these findings will be reviewed by an expert Clinician in chest US blind to other data.

After 48h from the admission, all children will undergo follow-up laboratory tests and lung US.

In case of clinical deterioration, children will undergo further ultrasonographic evaluations according pediatric indications.

Finally, all children will undergo lung US after 7 ± 2 days from discharge.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
30
Inclusion Criteria
  • Suspected CAP
  • Age from 1 to 16 years old
  • Admission to Pediatric Unit
  • Radiographic evidence of lung consolidation
  • Written informed consent from parents
Exclusion Criteria
  • Gestational age < 36 weeks
  • Previous diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
  • Congenital pulmonary disease.
  • Refusal to participate.

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Rate of uncomplicated CAP48 hours

Impact on rate of uncomplicated respiratory infections

Time to resolution of feverThrough study completion, an average of 7 days.

Relationship to the time of resolution of clinical signs

Change of antibiotic therapy48 hours

Change of antibiotic therapy not guided by microbiological examinations

Length of hospitalizationThrough study completion, an average of 10 days.

Length of hospitalization

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli

🇮🇹

Roma, Italy

Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste - Ospedale di Cattinara

🇮🇹

Trieste, Italy

Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli
🇮🇹Roma, Italy
Riccardo Inchingolo, M.D., Ph.D.
Contact
+0630154236
riccardo.inchingolo@policlinicogemelli.it
Rafael Emanuele Gerardi, M.D.
Sub Investigator
Andrea Smargiassi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sub Investigator
Emanuele Conte, M.D.
Sub Investigator
Antonio Gatto, M.D.
Sub Investigator
Piero Valentini, Prof., M.D.
Sub Investigator
Chiara Pierandrei, M.D.
Sub Investigator
Lavinia Capossela, M.D.
Sub Investigator
Giuseppe M Corbo, Prof., M.D.
Sub Investigator

MedPath

Empowering clinical research with data-driven insights and AI-powered tools.

© 2025 MedPath, Inc. All rights reserved.