Comparing intravenous and oral antibiotics for treating liver abscess
Official title: Comparison of Empirical Intravenous Beta-Lactam Antimicrobials Plus Metronidazole and Oral Cefixime Plus Metronidazole Therapy for the Treatment of Liver Abscess: an Open Label Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Run by Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh · NCT06847126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether intravenous antibiotics or oral antibiotics work better for treating liver abscesses in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chandigarh) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 25, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 13, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06847126 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are symptomatic adults aged 18 and older with a radiologically confirmed liver abscess.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of liver abscess, chronic kidney disease, or those unable to take medications orally may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of intravenous beta-lactam antibiotics combined with metronidazole against oral cefixime combined with metronidazole in treating liver abscesses. Patients aged 18 and older with symptomatic liver abscess confirmed by imaging will be enrolled. The study will evaluate the outcomes of both treatment regimens over a two-week period, focusing on the resolution of symptoms and any complications. The trial seeks to establish a more effective empirical antimicrobial protocol for liver abscess management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols for liver abscess, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While there is a preference for intravenous antimicrobials in clinical practice, this specific comparison has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: All symptomatic patients with liver abscess verified by radiological imaging, either by computed tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound (USG), regardless of gender (male or female) and age ≥ 18 years, will be screened for registration in the study. \- Exclusion Criteria: Patients with past history of liver abscess, chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypersensitivity to either Metronidazole or Cefixime or Beta-lactam antimicrobials will not be allowed to participate in the study. Patients with organ dysfunction with shock (blood pressure \< 90/60 mmHg), acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring oxygen therapy (PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 or SpO2 ≤92%), encephalopathy (altered sensorium with GCS \< 15), acute kidney injury (increase in serum creatinine to ≥ 1.5 times from the baseline or serum creatinine ≥ 1.5) and not able to take orally will not be considered for participation in the study. Patients who are pregnant, have already received antimicrobials for more than 48 hours before to admission, or are receiving blood thinners such as antiplatelets or anticoagulants within 4 weeks of presentation and are unwilling to provide informed consent will also be excluded from the trial. \-
Where it's running
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Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)
Chandigarh, India Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Deba Prasad Dhibar, MD Medicine
- Email: drdeba_prasad@yahoo.co.in
- Phone: +911722756670
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.