Antibiotic Use After Appendectomy for Appendicitis
(CASA RELAX Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to see if decreasing the amount of antibiotics after appendicitis surgery can decrease the risk of adverse effects associated with antibiotics while at the same time ensuring participant safety.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but if you are currently using antibiotics for other reasons, you cannot participate in the trial.
What data supports the idea that Antibiotic Use After Appendectomy for Appendicitis is an effective drug?
The available research shows that antibiotics can be effective after an appendectomy for appendicitis, especially when the condition is complicated. One study found that antibiotics were successful in 92.8% of cases with local peritonitis, a type of complication. Another study suggests that using antibiotics is safe and can be as effective as surgery in some cases, based on patients' health status 30 days after treatment. However, there is no clear agreement on how long antibiotics should be used, with some studies suggesting shorter courses might be just as effective as longer ones. Overall, antibiotics can be a good option, but more research is needed to determine the best way to use them.12345
What safety data exists for antibiotic use after appendectomy for appendicitis?
The safety of antibiotic use for appendicitis has been established, showing it to be noninferior to appendectomy based on self-reported health status at 30 days. Long-term follow-up from the APPAC trial confirms the safety of antibiotics for uncomplicated appendicitis, with most recurrences occurring within the first year. Studies are ongoing to determine the optimal duration of antibiotics post-appendectomy, with shorter courses potentially being as effective and reducing side effects and costs.14567
Is the drug used after appendectomy for appendicitis a promising treatment?
Research Team
Daniel D Yeh, MD, MHPE
Principal Investigator
Denver Health and Hospital Authority
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 who are having their appendix removed due to appendicitis. They must have a reliable way to be contacted after leaving the hospital. People with uncontrolled diabetes, pregnant women, prisoners, those unable to follow treatment plans or give consent, immunocompromised individuals, and patients on current antibiotics for other conditions cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive post-operative antibiotics based on the complexity of appendicitis: 24 hours for simple cases and up to 4 days for complicated cases
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including incidence of infectious/antibiotic complications and adverse effects
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Liberal Duration of SOC Antibiotic Use (Other)
- Restricted Duration of SOC Antibiotic Use (Other)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Miami
Lead Sponsor
Sylvia Daunert
University of Miami
Chief Executive Officer since 2011
PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kentucky
Bahar Motlagh
University of Miami
Chief Medical Officer since 2021
PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Montreal
Denver Health and Hospital Authority
Lead Sponsor
Donna Lynne
Denver Health and Hospital Authority
Chief Executive Officer since 2022
DrPH from Columbia University
Dr. Steven G. Federico
Denver Health and Hospital Authority
Chief Medical Officer
MD from University of Colorado