Comparing irrigation versus no irrigation for treating simple lacerations
The Irrigation or No Irrigation in Simple Lacerations Trials
NA · Université de Sherbrooke · NCT02976480
This study is testing if cleaning simple cuts in the emergency room helps prevent infections better than not cleaning them for adults with these types of injuries.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Université de Sherbrooke (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicoutimi, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT02976480 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether irrigating simple lacerations in the emergency department affects the rate of subsequent infections compared to not irrigating them. It is a double-blind randomized controlled non-inferiority study involving adult patients presenting with clean and simple lacerations. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an irrigation or non-irrigation group, and the rates of infection and patient satisfaction regarding aesthetic appearance will be assessed post-repair. The study seeks to determine if the current practice of irrigation is necessary or if it can be safely omitted, potentially saving time and resources.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 or older with clean and simple lacerations that can be repaired within 18 hours of injury.
Not a fit: Patients with complex lacerations, those involving significant anatomical structures, or those with infections or foreign bodies will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more efficient treatment protocols for simple lacerations, reducing unnecessary procedures and costs for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the necessity of irrigation for simple lacerations, this study's approach is novel and aims to fill a gap in current clinical guidelines.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 18 or older * repair within 18 hours from time of injury * repair done by the emergency room physician or trainee * clean and simple lacerations (clean edge with no gross contamination, as assessed by the treating physician) Exclusion Criteria: * pregnant patients * involving tendons, muscles, fascias, articulations * located on the ear, nose or distal to metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint * immunosuppressed (neutropenia, chronic corticotherapy, HIV, immunosuppressive therapy within 3 months) * bite wounds * lacerations with any loss of substance * lacerations with foreign body * complex lacerations (crush, stellate) * grossly contaminated
Where this trial is running
Chicoutimi, Quebec
- CIUSSS Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Hôpital de Chicoutimi — Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Julien Bouchard, MD, CCFP(EM) — Université de Sherbrooke
- Study coordinator: Julien Bouchard, MD, CCFP(EM)
- Email: julien.bouchard@usherbrooke.ca
- Phone: 418-541-1000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Laceration - Injury, Infection, Irrigation