Smart testing slashes antibiotic overuse in ER lung cases

NCT ID NCT05463406

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Dr Boillat-Blanco Noemie Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a new way to decide if patients with lower respiratory tract infections need antibiotics. Instead of relying on standard methods, doctors used a step-by-step approach: a clinical score, a lung ultrasound, and a blood test for procalcitonin. The goal was to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions while keeping patients safe. Over 1,400 adults in Swiss emergency departments took part, and researchers compared the new approach to usual care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: diagnostic algorithm (clinical score, lung ultrasound, and procalcitonin blood test)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could help doctors prescribe antibiotics more accurately, reducing unnecessary use and slowing antibiotic resistance.
What could go wrong: The study is completed, but the strategy may not work for all patients or settings, and the diagnostic tests may not always correctly distinguish viral from bacterial infections.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

lower respiratory tract disorder pneumonia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen

Sankt Gallen, Canton of St. Gallen, 9007, Switzerland
Cantonal hospital of Baden

Baden, Canton of Aargau, 5404, Switzerland
Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois (CHUV)

Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, 1011, Switzerland
Hôpital Intercantonal de la Broye

Payerne, Canton of Vaud, 1530, Switzerland
Hôpital Riviera-Chablais

Rennaz, Canton of Vaud, 1847, Switzerland
Kantonsspital Baselland

Liestal, Canton of Basel-City, 4410, Switzerland
Luzerner Kantonsspital

Lucerne, Canton of Lucerne, 6000, Switzerland
Réseau Hospitalier Neuchâtelois

Neuchâtel, Canton of Neuchâtel, 2000, Switzerland
University Hospital of Basel

Basel, Canton of Basel-City, 4031, Switzerland

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