CompletedNot Applicable

Procalcitonin Antibiotic Consensus Trial (ProACT)

United States1,664 participantsStarted 2014-11-03

Plain-language summary

The ProACT study is a 5 year, multicenter study that will test the effect of implementation of a novel procalcitonin guideline on antibiotic use and adverse outcomes in Emergency Department (ED) patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 18 years old * A primary clinical diagnosis in the ED of acute LRTI (\< 28 days duration) * Clinician willing to consider procalcitonin in antibiotic decision-making Exclusion Criteria: * Systemic antibiotics before ED presentation (All prophylactic antibiotic regimens, OR received \>1 dose within 72 hours prior to ED presentation) * Current vasopressor use * Mechanical ventilation (via endotracheal tube) * Known severe immunosuppression * Accompanying non-respiratory infections * Known lung abscess or empyema * Chronic dialysis * Metastatic cancer * Surgery in the past 7 days (excluding minor surgery such as skin biopsy) * Incarcerated or homeless * Enrolled in ProACT in the past 30 days

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Total Antibiotic Exposure Days

Timeframe: 30 days

Number of Participants With Any Adverse Outcome

Timeframe: 30 days

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02130986

SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2017-07-21

Results submitted2018-12-02

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.