This prospective study evaluates detailed lung ultrasound (LUS) features to determine the cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTI) in children. Analyzing data from patients aged 1 month to 17 years admitted between March 2018 and April 2020, the study stratified patients into bacterial, viral, and atypical groups based on clinical and ultrasound findings. Diagnostic tests included microbiological and molecular methods. Among the 186 children (44% female, average age 6), significant differences in ultrasound findings were noted across the etiological groups. The study concludes that specific LUS features can help predict the etiology of ALRTI, aiding in personalized diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
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