Comparing two methods to reduce Staphylococcus aureus before spine surgery

Surgical Prophylaxis: Assessing Decolonization Efficacy of Polyhexanide Versus Mupirocin and Chlorhexidine in Decolonizing Staphylococcus Aureus Preoperatively in Elective Spine Surgery (SPADE): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil · NCT06633588

This study is testing if a new cleaning method called polyhexanide can better reduce Staphylococcus aureus in patients before spine surgery compared to the usual treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSwiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil Research network
Locations1 site (Nottwil, Canton of Lucerne)
Trial IDNCT06633588 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of polyhexanide compared to the standard mupirocin and chlorhexidine regimen for decolonizing Staphylococcus aureus in patients scheduled for elective spine surgery. The study involves 24 participants who are randomly assigned to receive either polyhexanide or the standard treatment. The primary focus is on the randomization rate, while secondary outcomes include tolerability and the reduction of S. aureus colony-forming units (CFUs) as well as changes in the microbiome. This approach aims to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of polyhexanide in a clinical setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for elective spinal surgery and are colonized with Staphylococcus aureus.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency spine surgery or those with MRSA or mupirocin-resistant S. aureus will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective decolonization method, potentially reducing infection rates in spinal surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored decolonization methods, but this specific comparison of polyhexanide versus mupirocin is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age over 18 years
* Scheduled for elective spinal surgery
* Colonized with Staphylococcus aureus
* Informed consent provided

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency spine surgery
* Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or mupirocin-resistant S. aureus
* Known allergies to products used in the trial
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* Recent antibiotic therapy (within 14 days)
* Known non-compliance, substance abuse, or psychological disorders
* Participation in another antimicrobial trial within the last 30 days

Where this trial is running

Nottwil, Canton of Lucerne

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Staphylococcus AureusColonization, AsymptomaticStaphylococcus aureus colonizationSpinal surgerydecolonization
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.