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.
The proposed study will be a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase III trial to examine the efficacy of AZM therapy relative to placebo in reducing RSV-related morbidity. Patients will be recruited during acute hospitalization and admission to the ICU at 7 pediatric hospitals. The target population selected is pediatric patients with severe RSV lung disease as defined by need for ICU management and intensive respiratory support.