Lower Respiratory Tract Infection, Primary Health Care
Conditions
Keywords
C-Reactive Protein, Lung ultrasonography, Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Brief summary
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.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTLung ultrasound
Lung ultrasound will be performed to patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections.
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTC-Reactive Protein Test
C-Reactive Protein Test will be performed to patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections.
Sponsors
Fundacio d'Investigacio en Atencio Primaria Jordi Gol i Gurina
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age ≥ 18 years old * Clinical suspicion of LRTI defined as acute illness lasting less than 21 days, with cough as the main symptom, accompanied by at least one other lower respiratory symptom (such as sputum production, dyspnoea, difficult breathing, or chest pain) without any other explanation for the clinical picture. * Ability to read, understand and willingness to give written consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria
* Patients who have been treated with antibiotics during the last 14 days up to inclusion. * Patients with hemodynamic instability or that need emergency medical care due to the current clinical condition. * Previous diagnosis of lung or pleural cancer. * Thoracic surgery within the past 60 days. * Lung interstitial diseases. * Patients who refuse to participate in the study
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound patterns | Each evaluation will be carried out during a dedicated ultrasound session, with an approximate duration of 15 minutes per participant. | Standardized criteria will be used to differentiate between normal patterns and those that may indicate pathological conditions. The classification of patterns will include, but not be limited to, tissue heterogeneity, presence of masses or fluids, and characteristics of the edges of lesions. |
| C-Reactive Protein | CRP levels will be measured at baseline. | This metric assesses the levels of C-Reactive Protein in the blood, an indicator of inflammation in lower respiratory tract infections already used in the Primary Care practice. |
Contacts
Primary ContactAnna Llinas Vaquer
Backup ContactDelegado de Protección de Datos
Outcome results
None listed