Early Discontinuation of Antibiotic Therapy in Elderly Patients Hospitalized for a Viral Infection
Launched by CENTRE HOSPITALIER UNIVERSITAIRE, AMIENS · Jun 12, 2025
Trial Information
Current as of July 24, 2025
Not yet recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is looking at whether stopping antibiotics early is safe and helpful for elderly patients hospitalized with serious viral lung infections, like the flu or RSV. These viruses can be very dangerous, especially for older adults, and sometimes doctors give antibiotics because they worry about a bacterial infection happening at the same time. However, bacterial infections are actually rare, and unnecessary use of antibiotics can cause harm. This study aims to provide clear evidence on whether antibiotics are truly needed in these cases, or if stopping them early is better for patients.
To take part, patients must be 65 years or older and hospitalized with signs of a lung infection, such as fever, changes in blood counts, or abnormal lung sounds, confirmed by a chest scan or X-ray. They also need to have had a test to identify the virus or bacteria within 48 hours of hospital admission. People who are very severely ill, expected to be in the hospital less than two days, or have other serious bacterial infections won’t be included. Participants will be closely monitored to see if stopping antibiotics early affects their recovery. This study could help improve how antibiotics are used in older adults with viral infections, reducing unnecessary treatment and its side effects.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Patients ≥ 65 years affiliated to a social security scheme
- * Hospitalized for a lower respiratory infection defined as:
- * the presence of 2 of the following 4 signs:
- • hyperthermia \>38°C,
- • hyperleukocytosis ≥12000 or ≤4000,
- • purulent aspirations/sputum,
- • rales on pulmonary auscultation indicating parenchymal damage
- • associated with a pulmonary image (standard X-ray, CT scan or ultrasound)
- • Microbiological diagnostic sample taken within 48 hours
- • Informed consent of the patient or their representative
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Hospitalization planned for \< 48 hours or transfer planned to another center within 7 days
- • Patient in septic shock,
- • Febrile aplasia
- • Absence of diagnostic microbiological sampling (\> 48 hours after admission)
- • Moribund patient,
- • Death expected within the week
- • Inhalation proven by endoscopy or eyewitness
- • Purulent pleurisy, lung abscess, or other concomitant bacterial infection requiring antibiotic therapy.
About Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens
The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Amiens is a leading academic medical center in France dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative research and clinical trials. With a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration, CHU Amiens integrates patient care, education, and research to enhance treatment outcomes and improve patient quality of life. The institution is committed to ethical standards and regulatory compliance in its clinical research endeavors, aiming to contribute significantly to the medical community and the development of new therapeutic approaches. By fostering partnerships with various stakeholders, CHU Amiens strives to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications that benefit patients and healthcare systems alike.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Amiens, , France
Patients applied
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported