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.

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Key information

Conditions

Primary Health Care Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Lung Ultrasound

Diagnostic Test

Lung ultrasound will be performed to patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections.

C-Reactive Protein Test

Diagnostic Test

C-Reactive Protein Test will be performed to patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections.

Primary outcomes

Ultrasound patterns

Time frame: 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

Time frame: 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.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Anna Llinas Vaquer

CONTACT

[email protected]

692473511

Delegado de Protección de Datos

CONTACT

[email protected]

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Fundacio d'Investigacio en Atencio Primaria Jordi Gol i Gurina

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Along With C-Reactive Protein-Point of Care Tests Impact on Clinical Decision-making and Perceived Usefulness in Routine Healthcare Use in Patients With Lower Respiratory Tract Infection. Correlation Between C-Reactive Protein Concentrations and Lung Ultrasound Findings.

Acronym: PLURE

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2028
First posted: Mar 6, 2024
Registry last updated: Apr 30, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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