Does Additional Use of Preoperative Azithromycin Decrease Posthysterectomy Infections

Launched by HELSINKI UNIVERSITY CENTRAL HOSPITAL · Apr 14, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether taking an additional antibiotic called azithromycin before surgery can help reduce the risk of infections after a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus. During this surgery, bacteria can enter the body and potentially lead to infections, affecting about 5% of women who undergo the procedure. The study aims to find out if giving azithromycin, along with a commonly used antibiotic called cefuroxime, can lower the chances of infections compared to using cefuroxime alone. Researchers will also explore if this approach impacts other types of infections and any side effects that might arise.

To participate in this trial, women aged 65 to 74 who are having a hysterectomy for non-cancerous reasons at specific hospitals in Finland may be eligible, as long as they don’t have any allergies to the study medications or certain heart conditions. Participants will be asked questions about their health and will undergo a heart test before being enrolled. This study not only aims to improve patient care by reducing infections but also hopes to understand more about factors like bacterial infections and the body’s natural bacteria after surgery.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indication in University Hospitals (Helsinki University Hospital, Turku University Hospital, Tampere University Hospital, Oulu University Hospital and Kuopio University Hospital) who have not any contraindications for azithromycin or cefuroxime.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to understand the study protocol.
• • Allergy for either cefuroxime or azithromycin.
• • Congenital or acquired prolonged Q-T-corrected interval. All the participants will be asked about arrhythmias and whether they have congenital arrhythmias in the family,
• • Electrocardiogram will be checked for all the participants.
• • Use of medicines that may prolong Q-T-corrected interval (class Ia arrhythmia medications, quinidine, procainamide, and class III arrhythmia medications dofetilide, amiodarone and sotalol).
• • Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication and prolonged Q-T-corrected interval.