AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Acute appendicitis and microbiota – etiology and effects of the antimicrobial treatment - MAPPAC

This study, called MAPPAC, is looking into how treating appendicitis with antibiotics affects the 'good' bacteria and other tiny living things (microbiota) that live in your gut. We want to understand what changes happen to these gut germs when people take antibiotics for appendicitis. Specifically, researchers are comparing how different antibiotics like Levofloxacin, Ertapenem, Metronidazole, and Moxifloxacin impact this gut environment. A key goal is to find out if certain types of gut bacteria are connected to more complicated cases of appendicitis. This could help doctors better understand and treat the condition in the future.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Turku University Hospital

Enrolment target

118

Start

26 Nov 2024

Uncomplicated acute appendicitis Complicated acute appendicitis

What is this study about?

Imagine your gut as a bustling city, full of tiny living things like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These are called your 'microbiota,' and they play a big role in your health. This study, called MAPPAC, wants to understand what happens to this busy city when someone has appendicitis and gets treated with antibiotics.

Appendicitis is when your appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch attached to your large intestine, becomes swollen and painful. Sometimes it's mild (uncomplicated), and sometimes it's more serious (complicated). Doctors often use antibiotics to treat it, but we don't fully understand how these powerful medicines affect your gut's natural balance of germs.

The main aim of this study is to look closely at these gut germs before and after antibiotic treatment. By doing this, researchers hope to see if certain types of gut microbiota are linked to more serious cases of appendicitis. Understanding this connection could one day help doctors choose the best treatments and predict who might be at risk of more complicated problems.

Key takeaways

Looks at how appendicitis antibiotics affect gut germs.
Aims to see if certain gut germs are linked to serious appendicitis.
Uses antibiotics already approved for appendicitis treatment.
Requires samples (likely stool) before and after antibiotics.
Helps doctors better understand and treat appendicitis.
Open to adults aged 18 and over, both men and women.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, so people of all adult ages can potentially join.

Both men and women are welcome to participate. The study is open to everyone regardless of their gender.

This study is for people who have been diagnosed with either uncomplicated or complicated acute appendicitis. If you don't have appendicitis, or if your appendicitis is very different from what the study is looking for, you wouldn't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have acute appendicitis (either uncomplicated or complicated)?
Are you able to provide samples if asked (e.g., stool samples)?
Are you receiving antibiotic treatment for your appendicitis?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would receive one of the study's antibiotics (Levofloxacin, Ertapenem, Metronidazole, or Moxifloxacin) as chosen by your doctor for your appendicitis. Researchers will then collect samples, likely stool samples, before you start the antibiotics and again after you've finished the treatment.

These samples will be used to look at the different types of bacteria and other tiny organisms living in your gut. You would also have regular check-ups, as you normally would for appendicitis, to see how you are recovering. The total time you would be involved in the study would depend on your treatment and recovery, but it usually follows the typical course of appendicitis care and a follow-up period to assess changes in your gut microbiota.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part might offer the benefit of contributing to a better understanding of how antibiotics affect your gut and how gut bacteria relate to appendicitis, potentially improving future treatments. While the study uses antibiotics already approved by doctors, there are always potential risks with any medication, such as side effects, which your doctor will discuss with you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Finland

Common questions

What is 'microbiota'?

It's the name for all the tiny living things, like bacteria, that live naturally in your gut. They're usually very helpful for your digestion and health.

Why are you studying appendicitis?

We want to understand how antibiotic treatments for appendicitis affect your gut germs and if certain germs are linked to more serious cases, which could help improve care.

Will I get a special appendicitis treatment?

No, you will receive one of the standard antibiotics already used by doctors to treat appendicitis. This study is observing how these existing treatments affect your gut.

What kind of samples will be needed?

Researchers will likely ask for stool (poo) samples before and after your antibiotic treatment to examine your gut's tiny living things.

How long will I be in the study?

The study will involve following you through your appendicitis treatment and for a period afterwards to see changes in your gut. The exact duration will be explained by the study team.