Antibiotics for Appendicitis
(CASA RELAX Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of short-course post-operative antibiotic treatment for simple and complicated appendicitis
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes those currently using antibiotics for other reasons. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.
What data supports the effectiveness of antibiotics for treating appendicitis?
Research shows that antibiotics can be effective in treating appendicitis, especially when the appendix is perforated or ruptured. For example, a study found that cefoxitin was better than a combination of ampicillin and metronidazole in preventing certain infections after surgery. Another study showed that antibiotics were effective in 92.8% of cases of appendicitis complicated by local peritonitis.12345
Is the antibiotic treatment for appendicitis safe for humans?
The antibiotics used for appendicitis, such as cefoxitin, ampicillin, metronidazole, cefotaxime, and amoxicillin-clavulanate, have been studied and are generally safe for humans. Studies show low rates of complications and no serious toxic side effects, making them well-tolerated options for treating appendicitis.13467
How do antibiotics differ from surgery in treating appendicitis?
Antibiotics offer a non-surgical option for treating appendicitis, especially in cases where the appendix is not ruptured. They can be effective in managing inflammation and infection, potentially avoiding the need for immediate surgery, although there is a risk of recurrence. This approach is different from the traditional treatment of appendectomy, which involves surgically removing the appendix.568910
Research Team
Lucy Kornblith, MD
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Eligibility Criteria
Adults over 18 with appendicitis who are undergoing an appendectomy and can be contacted post-surgery. Excluded are those with Type 1 Diabetes or uncontrolled sugar levels, immune system issues due to medications or conditions like AIDS, allergies to bupivacaine, heart failure, suspected sepsis, current antibiotic use for other reasons, or if they're unlikely to follow the study plan.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive post-operative antibiotics based on the type of appendicitis: up to 24 hours for complicated cases in the restricted group, and 24 hours to 4 days in the liberal group
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, focusing on infectious/antibiotic complications and mortality
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Multiple standard of care antibiotics for appendicitis
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor