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MalnutritionPhase 2FLACSAM-PKNCT02746276

Optimising Antibiotic Treatment for Sick Malnourished Children

A Phase 2 study testing Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole in people with Malnutrition, run by University of Oxford at 1 site in Kenya.

Unknown status

Status not confirmed. The sponsor has not verified this record for over two years, so it may be out of date.

Official record
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Trial summary

Children with severe malnutrition who are admitted sick to hospitals have a high mortality, usually because of infection. All children with severe malnutrition admitted to hospitals are treated with antibiotics. However, policymakers are not sure that the current antibiotics are the most effective. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 2 to 59 months
Conditions the study is for
Malnutrition
What is being tested?
Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
81 participants
Where
1 siteKenya
Study dates
1 Apr 2016to 30 Sep 2017
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 2 to 59 months
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Severe acute malnutrition(SAM) defined as:
  • Children aged 6 to 59 months with kwashiorkor; or Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) <11.5cm; or weight-for height Z score <-3;
  • Children aged 2 to 5 months with kwashiorkor; or MUAC <11cm; or weight-for height Z score <-3; and weight >2.5 kilograms(kg);
  • Eligible to receive intravenous antibiotics according to current national guidelines
  • For faecal carriage: children aged 2 to 59 months with and without SAM (as defined above) who are admitted to hospital with a syndrome requiring antimicrobial treatment under current national guidelines.

Who cannot join

  • Admitted as a transfer from another hospital.
  • Known ceftriaxone or metronidazole administration within the previous 7 days (pharmacokinetics(PK) study only).
  • Known allergy or contraindication to ceftriaxone or metronidazole (including penicillin allergy) (PK study only).
  • A specific clinical indication for another class of antibiotic (PK study only).
  • Concurrent participation in a clinical trial (PK study only).
  • Attending clinician's judgement that the child is so severely ill that adequate communication about the study with the parent or legal guardian is not possible.
  • Refusal of consent

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Kenya1 site
  • KEMRI WT Clinical Trials Facility

    Kilifi, 80800

Other trials in Kenya

About this study

Official title: Pharmacokinetics of Antimicrobials and Carriage of Antimicrobial Resistance Amongst Hospitalised Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition

Children with severe malnutrition who are admitted sick to hospitals have a high mortality, usually because of infection. All children with severe malnutrition admitted to hospitals are treated with antibiotics. However, policymakers are not sure that the current antibiotics are the most effective. It is possible that the antibiotics that are currently used as second-line should be used first. Finding this out will need a large trial comparing different antibiotics. To prepare for such a trial the investigators first want to make sure that the doses given are correct for malnourished children. The investigators also want to check whether malnourished children more commonly carry resistant bacteria in their feces than well-nourished children. The study is important because the types of antibiotics and the doses needed to fight infection may be different in malnourished children because of the changes in their body due to malnutrition and the types of bacteria present.

Read the detailed description

Children with complicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) admitted to hospital in sub-Saharan Africa have an inpatient case fatality of 10 to 20%. Because children with SAM may not exhibit the usual signs of infection, World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend routine antibiotics. However this is based on "low quality evidence". There is evidence from Centre for Geographic Medical Research - Coast (CGMR-C), Kilifi and from other centres in Africa that bacterial resistance to the currently recommended first-line antibiotics (gentamicin plus ampicillin or penicillin) may be a problem. It is possible that because of frequent illness and antibiotic exposure, malnourished children may be more likely to have resistant bacteria. Some hospitals in Africa are already increasing use of ceftriaxone as a first-line treatment. However, this is not based on any data that ceftriaxone actually improves outcomes. Of concern is that ceftriaxone use may also lead to further problems with antimicrobial resistance, including inducing extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and other classes of resistance.

A further area where evidence for policy is lacking is on the use of metronidazole in severely malnourished children. The WHO guidelines recommend "Metronidazole 7.5 mg/kg every 8 h for 7 days may be given in addition to broad-spectrum antibiotics; however, the efficacy of this treatment has not been established in clinical trials." Metronidazole is effective against Giardia, which is common amongst children with SAM; and against other anaerobic infections, including small bowel bacterial overgrowth and Clostridium difficile colitis. Small cohort studies suggest there may be benefits for nutritional recovery. In Jamaica, half of the children admitted for nutritional rehabilitation had evidence of small bowel anaerobic bacterial overgrowth and this was improved by metronidazole. However, metronidazole can cause nausea and anorexia, potentially impairing recovery from malnutrition and may also cause liver and neurological toxicity. One small study of metronidazole in children with SAM conducted in in Mexico reported significantly prolonged clearance in SAM, without symptomatic toxicity, but suggesting a dosing frequency reduction. Overall, very few pharmacokinetic studies have been done in malnourished children. Changes in body composition as well as metabolic and drug elimination mechanisms may alter the potential toxicity or effective dose.

The investigators are planning a large clinical trial to assess the efficacy of ceftriaxone and metronidazole on mortality, nutritional recovery and antimicrobial resistance in sick, severely malnourished children. This preparatory work aims to determine the pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone and metronidazole in 80 severely malnourished children who are admitted to three hospitals in Kenya in order to ensure dosing for the main trial is safe and in the therapeutic range. The study will also determine the frequency of faecal carriage of antimicrobial resistant enteric bacteria at presentation to hospital and at discharge following exposure to antibiotics and the hospital environment, comparing 360 children with, and 360 children without severe malnutrition at three different hospitals. Clear data on the benefits, risks and pharmacokinetics of these antimicrobials will influence policy on case management and antimicrobial stewardship in this vulnerable population.

Conditions
Malnutrition
Being tested
Ceftriaxone, Metronidazole
Keywords
malnutrition, antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, pharmacokinetics
Medical subject headings
Malnutrition

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • CeftriaxoneDrug

    Also called Rocephin

    Ceftriaxone is active against a broad spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, including intracellular bacteria (e.g. Salmonellae, Staphylococci). Its antibacterial effect is dependent on time above the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC). Ceftriaxone is highly protein-bound and elimination depends on glomerular filtration rate. In severely ill adults, elimination is highly variable. Alteration in plasma proteins, volume of distribution and renal function in sick severely malnourished children could significantly alter pharmacokinetics (PK). Despite several published studies on the PK of ceftriaxone in children, none have included severe malnutrition.

  • MetronidazoleDrug

    Also called Flagyl

    Metronidazole is effective against Giardia, which is common amongst children with SAM; and against other anaerobic infections, including small bowel bacterial overgrowth and Clostridium difficile colitis. Small cohort studies suggest there may be benefits for nutritional recovery. However, metronidazole can cause nausea and anorexia, potentially impairing recovery from malnutrition and may also cause liver and neurological toxicity. Changes in body composition as well as metabolic and drug elimination mechanisms may alter the potential toxicity or effective dose.

Study groups in NCT02746276
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Ceftriaxone and metronidazoleOtherPharmacokinetic study of ceftriaxone and metronidazole in malnourished children
Receives: Drug: Ceftriaxone; Drug: Metronidazole

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Area under the curve (AUC) of ceftriaxone

    To determine the pharmacokinetics of intravenous ceftriaxone given at currently recommended dose and frequency amongst severely malnourished, sick children.

    Measured: 24 hours

  2. Trough level of metronidazole

    To determine the pharmacokinetics of oral metronidazole given at currently recommended dose and frequency amongst severely malnourished, sick children.

    Measured: 8, 24, 48 and 72 hours

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Prevalence of faecal carriage of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)

    To determine the frequency of faecal carriage of ESBL at admission to hospital and at discharge amongst children admitted with and without severe malnutrition.

    Measured: Through study completion, an average of 5 days

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted21 Apr 2016 (estimated)
  2. Study start1 Apr 2016
  3. Primary completion30 Sep 2016
  4. Study completion30 Sep 2017 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Model description
Sparse sample pharmacokinetics study
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
81 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02746276
Sponsor's protocol ID
OXTREC 47-15
Other IDs
KEMRI/SERU/CGMR-C/023/3161
Acronym
FLACSAM-PK
Status last verified
Jun 2017
First submitted
4 Apr 2016
Last updated
2 Jul 2017
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Yes. Data sharing will be considered by the investigators, then by applying to the Data Governance Committee at CGMR,C who will ensure that appropriate ethical approval is in place for any new analysis.

Publications

  • Black RE, Victora CG, Walker SP, Bhutta ZA, Christian P, de Onis M, Ezzati M, Grantham-McGregor S, Katz J, Martorell R, Uauy R; Maternal and Child Nutrition Study Group. Maternal and child undernutrition and overweight in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet. 2013 Aug 3;382(9890):427-451. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60937-X. Epub 2013 Jun 6.

    PubMed 23746772
  • Bejon P, Mohammed S, Mwangi I, Atkinson SH, Osier F, Peshu N, Newton CR, Maitland K, Berkley JA. Fraction of all hospital admissions and deaths attributable to malnutrition among children in rural Kenya. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Dec;88(6):1626-31. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2008.26510.

    PubMed 19064524
  • Talbert A, Thuo N, Karisa J, Chesaro C, Ohuma E, Ignas J, Berkley JA, Toromo C, Atkinson S, Maitland K. Diarrhoea complicating severe acute malnutrition in Kenyan children: a prospective descriptive study of risk factors and outcome. PLoS One. 2012;7(6):e38321. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038321. Epub 2012 Jun 4.

    PubMed 22675542
  • Heikens GT, Bunn J, Amadi B, Manary M, Chhagan M, Berkley JA, Rollins N, Kelly P, Adamczick C, Maitland K, Tomkins A; Blantyre Working Group. Case management of HIV-infected severely malnourished children: challenges in the area of highest prevalence. Lancet. 2008 Apr 12;371(9620):1305-7. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(08)60565-6. No abstract available.

    PubMed 18406865
  • Chimhuya S, Kambarami RA, Mujuru H. The levels of malnutrition and risk factors for mortality at Harare Central Hospital-Zimbabwe: an observation study. Cent Afr J Med. 2007 May-Aug;53(5-8):30-4. doi: 10.4314/cajm.v53i5-8.62612.

    PubMed 20355679
  • Fergusson P, Tomkins A. HIV prevalence and mortality among children undergoing treatment for severe acute malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2009 Jun;103(6):541-8. doi: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.10.029. Epub 2008 Dec 5.

    PubMed 19058824
  • Trehan I, Goldbach HS, LaGrone LN, Meuli GJ, Wang RJ, Maleta KM, Manary MJ. Antibiotics as part of the management of severe acute malnutrition. N Engl J Med. 2013 Jan 31;368(5):425-35. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1202851.

    PubMed 23363496
  • Berkley JA, Lowe BS, Mwangi I, Williams T, Bauni E, Mwarumba S, Ngetsa C, Slack MP, Njenga S, Hart CA, Maitland K, English M, Marsh K, Scott JA. Bacteremia among children admitted to a rural hospital in Kenya. N Engl J Med. 2005 Jan 6;352(1):39-47. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa040275.

    PubMed 15635111
  • Tansarli GS, Poulikakos P, Kapaskelis A, Falagas ME. Proportion of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates among Enterobacteriaceae in Africa: evaluation of the evidence--systematic review. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2014 May;69(5):1177-84. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkt500. Epub 2014 Jan 6.

    PubMed 24398340
  • Babirekere-Iriso E, Musoke P, Kekitiinwa A. Bacteraemia in severely malnourished children in an HIV-endemic setting. Ann Trop Paediatr. 2006 Dec;26(4):319-28. doi: 10.1179/146532806X152845.

    PubMed 17132297
  • Acquah SE, Quaye L, Sagoe K, Ziem JB, Bromberger PI, Amponsem AA. Susceptibility of bacterial etiological agents to commonly-used antimicrobial agents in children with sepsis at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. BMC Infect Dis. 2013 Feb 18;13:89. doi: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-89.

    PubMed 23419199
  • Blomberg B, Manji KP, Urassa WK, Tamim BS, Mwakagile DS, Jureen R, Msangi V, Tellevik MG, Holberg-Petersen M, Harthug S, Maselle SY, Langeland N. Antimicrobial resistance predicts death in Tanzanian children with bloodstream infections: a prospective cohort study. BMC Infect Dis. 2007 May 22;7:43. doi: 10.1186/1471-2334-7-43.

    PubMed 17519011
  • Aiken AM, Mturi N, Njuguna P, Mohammed S, Berkley JA, Mwangi I, Mwarumba S, Kitsao BS, Lowe BS, Morpeth SC, Hall AJ, Khandawalla I, Scott JAG; Kilifi Bacteraemia Surveillance Group. Risk and causes of paediatric hospital-acquired bacteraemia in Kilifi District Hospital, Kenya: a prospective cohort study. Lancet. 2011 Dec 10;378(9808):2021-2027. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(11)61622-X. Epub 2011 Nov 29.

    PubMed 22133536
  • Garot D, Respaud R, Lanotte P, Simon N, Mercier E, Ehrmann S, Perrotin D, Dequin PF, Le Guellec C. Population pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone in critically ill septic patients: a reappraisal. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2011 Nov;72(5):758-67. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.04005.x.

    PubMed 21545483
  • Lazzerini M, Tickell D. Antibiotics in severely malnourished children: systematic review of efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics. Bull World Health Organ. 2011 Aug 1;89(8):594-607. doi: 10.2471/BLT.10.084715. Epub 2011 May 20.

    PubMed 21836758

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole in people with Malnutrition, run by University of Oxford at 1 site in Kenya.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Jul 2017. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Kenya. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Results are not available in the source record.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Area under the curve (AUC) of ceftriaxone (time frame: 24 hours). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02746276, which also lists 22 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Jul 2017.

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