CRP and Lung Ultrasound in Respiratory Evaluation

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are one of the most common reasons for consultation in Primary Care centres. Differentiating between viral and bacterial aetiologies can be challenging, leading to inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Lung ultrasound (LUS), an imaging test that gained particular relevance since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, offers several advantages over the classic chest X-ray in detecting and monitoring LRTIs, especially when pleural involvement exists. This study aims to correlate LUS findings with capillary blood C-Reactive Protein (CRP) values in patients with LRTIs, evaluating LUS as a diagnostic tool and its impact on therapeutic decisions. The descriptive observational study, conducted from January 2024 to December 2026 in Lleida, will include LRTI patients attending Primary Care centres. By validating LUS as a rapid and non-invasive diagnostic tool, unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions can be reduced, promoting LUS as a complementary test in Primary Care consultations. This will facilitate appropriate diagnosis and treatment decisions for patients with LRTIs, enhancing the overall management of respiratory infections.

NCT Number	NCT06294899
Lead Sponsor	Fundacio d'Investigacio en Atencio Primaria Jordi Gol i Gurina
Conditions	Primary Health Care, Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
Enrollment	202 participants
Start Date	2024-06-01
Primary Completion	2025-05-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2028-09-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2024-04-30