Introducing a New Algorithm for Classification of Etiology in Studies on Pediatric Pneumonia: Protocol for the Trial

Samuel Arthur Rhedin1,2, Annika Eklundh1, Malin Ryd-Rinder3

  • 1Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Insights

The TREND study aims to differentiate viral from bacterial pneumonia in children using biomarkers like MxA and point-of-care tests. This research will improve diagnosis and antibiotic use for pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Diagnostic biomarkers
  • Respiratory pathogen detection

Background:

  • Distinguishing viral from bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children is crucial for appropriate antibiotic use.
  • Current diagnostic methods lack accuracy, leading to potential overuse of antibiotics for viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To improve the differential diagnosis of bacterial and viral CAP in children under 5 years old.
  • To evaluate myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) as a biomarker for viral CAP.
  • To assess existing and novel point-of-care tests for respiratory pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • The Trial of Respiratory infections in children for ENhanced Diagnostics (TREND) study enrolled children aged 1-59 months with clinical CAP and healthy controls.
  • Blood and nasopharyngeal samples were collected for analysis of MxA, C-reactive protein, and various pathogen detection methods.
  • Real-time polymerase chain reaction served as the gold standard, alongside antigen-based mariPOC respi tests and a novel recombinase polymerase amplification test.

Main Results:

  • A pilot study was conducted from June to August 2017.
  • Subject enrollment for the main study commenced in November 2017.
  • Full study results were anticipated by the end of 2019.

Conclusions:

  • The TREND study findings are expected to significantly enhance the management of pediatric CAP.
  • Improved diagnostic accuracy will support more rational antibiotic prescribing practices.
Abstract

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