Home › Ear Infections › NCT06876259
Artificial Intelligence Diagnostic Decision Support to Reduce Antimicrobial Prescriptions in Young Children With Colds
Intelligent Medical Assessment for Guiding Ear Infection Treatment
Who can join
6 Months – 24 Months · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 6-24 months * Presence of upper respiratory infection Exclusion Criteria: * No upper respiratory infection * Otorrhea * Tympanostomy tubes * Currently taking antimicrobials
About the study
Ear infections are common in young children with cold symptoms, but they can be difficult to diagnose due to small ear canals, child movement, and limited viewing time. In this study, investigators will take photos of the eardrums of children 6-24 months of age with upper respiratory symptoms. The photos will be reviewed by imaging software enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI app) to determine whether the AI app changes how ear infections are diagnosed and treated. The AI app has undergone rigorous study and was found to be highly accurate; but how using this technology affects the diagnosis and treatment by clinicians has not been studied. This research may help improve diagnostic accuracy for ear infections and ensure antibiotics are prescribed only for those children who have definite ear infections.
What is being tested
- Standard Clinical Ear Exam (diagnostic test)
- AI app ear exam and diagnosis (diagnostic test)
Sponsor: Timothy Shope · Participants: 300 · Started: Dec 4, 2025
Contact the study team
- Timothy R Shope, MD, MPH · Phone: 412-692-5471
- Nader Shaikh, MD, MPH · Phone: 412-996-2653
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06876259
Locations in the U.S.
| Pennsylvania | Children's Community Pediatrics Brentwood, Pittsburgh Children's Community Pediatrics Castle Shannon, Pittsburgh |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.