NCT05026749 · University of Alabama at Birmingham
Azithromycin Treatment for Respiratory Syncytial Virus-induced Respiratory Failure in Children
What this study is about
The overarching hypothesis of the ARRC trial is that administration of Azithromycin (AZM) during acute, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-induced respiratory failure will be beneficial, mediated through the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 pathway.
View original scientific description
The overarching hypothesis of the ARRC trial is that administration of Azithromycin (AZM) during acute, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-induced respiratory failure will be beneficial, mediated through the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 pathway.
Interventions
DRUG
AZM Group
AZM at 20 mg/kg will be given intravenous daily for 3 days once patients are consented and enrolled into the study.
OTHER
Control Group
Saline will be given intravenous daily for 3 days once patients are consented and enrolled into the study.
Primary outcome measures
Length of Hospitalization
Time frame: At discharge (Approximately 2 weeks)
Duration of hospitalization in days for enrolled subjects
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Admission to the pediatric ICU with a confirmed diagnosis of RSV infection. RSV infection is based on a positive nasal swab for RSV fluorescent antibody or via multiplex assay or culture;
- Requiring intensive respiratory support defined as either mechanical ventilation or NIV (BiPAP or CPAP) or HFNC (at \>1 L/kg/min of flow
- Enrollment into the study within 48 hours of ICU admission and placement on intensive respiratory support;
- Onset of RSV-related symptoms must be less than 5 days
- Age: Neonates-2 years. For those less than 1 week of age, they must have been discharged home from the hospital after their birth.
Exclusion criteria
- AZM use within 7 days of ICU admission;
- Contraindication to AZM use including known hypersensitivity to AZM, erythromycin, any macrolide, or ketolide drug, patients with significant hepatic impairment (direct bilirubin \>1.5 mg/dL or ALT ≥ 10 times the upper limits of normal);
- Patients with known cardiac disease, cardiac
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
- San Francisco, California
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- St Louis, Missouri
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Columbus, Ohio
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
And 3 more locations — see the full list below.
Collaborators
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations