Pediatric Pneumonia
work with us
A Guide for Parents
Background on Pneumonia
Most common causes of pneumonia
Viruses
Bacteria
Among children, most cases of pneumonia are viral. Despite this, doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics which are not effective!
What’s so bad about antibiotics?
Rash
Diarrhea
Although antibiotics are important, it is best to take them only when needed. For viral infections, they are not needed and can lead to unwanted effects.
Click to learn more
Microbiome: Good bacteria and other micro-organisms vital found all over our body for its proper functioning
Taking antibiotics can alter your microbiome since the antibiotics can’t distinguish between good and bad bacteria.
Researchers still don’t fully understand all the effects of antibiotic use on the microbiome. Some studies have linked antibiotic use to increased risk of conditions like asthma, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Either way, we should avoid taking antibiotics when they are not necessary.
Antibiotic Resistance: When bacteria change their structure and composition so that antibiotics can no longer kill them. This makes the infection more difficult to treat.
Overuse of antibiotics can lead to more antibiotic-resistant bacteria. That is why when there is a bacterial infection, we want to make sure we give the antibiotic for the correct duration.
What is PRESTO?
PRESTO stands for Optimizing care for children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. The overarching aim of the study is to improve the way we care for children with pneumonia. We will do this by...
Implementing diagnostic testing that allows us to tell the difference between bacterial and viral infections
Reducing antibiotic use when it’s not needed
Understanding the ideal duration that antibiotics should be used if there is a bacterial infection
PRESTO Protocol
Standard Treatment
Group 1
Trial A
1
2
Blood test (1 mL)
to determine if pneumonia is viral or bacterial
If the test shows a viral infection, antibiotics will be discontinued
Your child will be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups
Group 2
Depending on your child’s eligibility, they will either be placed into Trial A or B
+
3-5 days of antibiotics
5 days of antibiotics
Group 1
Trial B
Your child will be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups
+
3-5 days of antibiotics
5 days of placebo
Group 2
More Information
More Resources
