Ursodeoxycholic Acid for C. diff Infection
(PREVENT Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Medical College of Wisconsin

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) can help prevent recurrence of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis when used along with standard antibiotic treatment. C. diff colitis is a serious infection that can return after treatment, and researchers want to see if UDCA can reduce this risk. This study aims to answer three main questions. First, can UDCA help prevent C. diff from returning after standard treatment? Second, does adding UDCA to treatment lower the need for repeated antibiotic use? Third, is UDCA safe and well-tolerated for people with C. diff? Participants in the study will be adults diagnosed with C. diff colitis who have risk factors for recurrence. Each participant will receive standard antibiotic treatment, which may include Vancomycin, Fidaxomicin, or Metronidazole. In addition to their antibiotic therapy, participants will take UDCA at a dose of 500 mg three times a day for up to eight weeks. If a participant's stool test shows they are C. diff negative at four weeks, they will stop taking UDCA early. Researchers will monitor participants throughout the study. Stool samples will be tested at the beginning, after four weeks, and at the end of the study. If a participant develops diarrhea, a stool test will check for C. diff. If C. diff is negative, the UDCA dose will be reduced. Weekly phone calls will be made to check for side effects and ensure participants are following the treatment plan. C. diff colitis is a common and serious infection, with up to 46 percent of high-risk patients experiencing recurrence. Current treatments rely on antibiotics, which can disrupt gut bacteria and increase the risk of reinfection. UDCA is a naturally occurring bile acid that may help prevent C. diff from growing, reducing the need for repeated antibiotic treatment. If successful, this study could introduce a new way to prevent C. diff from coming back, helping patients recover more effectively while reducing antibiotic use. Eligible participants must be at least 18 years old, have a positive C. diff test, and be receiving standard antibiotic treatment for C. diff. People who have severe or life-threatening C. diff colitis, a life expectancy of less than six months, serious liver disease, or are pregnant or breastfeeding will not be eligible to participate. UDCA is FDA-approved and has been used safely for decades in liver diseases and gallstone treatment. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, or stomach discomfort. Participants will be closely monitored for safety throughout the study. This trial will take place within the Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin healthcare system in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Eligibility Criteria

Adults with a positive C. diff test currently receiving standard antibiotics for C. diff colitis can join this trial. It's not for those with severe or life-threatening C. diff, serious liver disease, less than six months to live, or who are pregnant/breastfeeding.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18, tested positive for C. diff, and need treatment with specific antibiotics.

Exclusion Criteria

Life expectancy less than 6 months

I am not pregnant or breastfeeding.

I am unable to understand and agree to the study's procedures and risks.

+3 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) at 500 mg three times daily prevents the return of C. diff when taken with usual antibiotics like Vancomycin, Fidaxomicin, or Metronidazole over eight weeks.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: UDCA ArmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Standard of care treatment (Flagyl, Vancomycin or Fidaxomicin) + UDCA 500 mg TID for 8 weeks. UDCA to be started while patient is on antibiotics for C. difficile and continue for 8 weeks total.