Comparing vancomycin dosing methods for serious MRSA infections

Vancomycin Dosing for Serious MRSA Infections: A Non-inferiority Randomized Trial of Trough Level Versus AUC/MIC

NA · Queen's University · NCT04793152

This study tests if a simpler way of giving vancomycin can work just as well as a more complicated method for adults with serious MRSA infections.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment700 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQueen's University (other)
Locations4 sites (Hamilton, Ontario and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04793152 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of two different dosing strategies for intravenous vancomycin in treating serious methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. It compares the traditional trough level approach with a newer method that targets the area under the curve over 24 hours relative to the minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC). The study aims to determine if the simpler trough level dosing can be as effective as the more complex AUC/MIC method without compromising patient outcomes. Eligible participants include adults with serious MRSA infections who have not been on vancomycin for more than four days.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with serious MRSA infections who have not received vancomycin for more than four days.

Not a fit: Patients with a vancomycin MIC of 2ug/mL or higher, or those who are palliative or critically ill, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could simplify vancomycin dosing for MRSA infections, making treatment more accessible and efficient for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored vancomycin dosing strategies, but this specific comparison of trough versus AUC/MIC is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients with serious MRSA infections based on culture results including bacteremia, pneumonia, pleural space infection, central nervous system infection, bone infection, septic arthritis, prosthetic joint infection, and deep abscess
* Enrolment within 4 days from date of MRSA culture collection
* Patient either currently not on vancomycin or has received vancomycin for 4 days or less

Exclusion Criteria:

* Vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥2ug/mL
* Patient is palliative or expected to die in the next 48 hours, or requires critical care resources but will not receive it due to advanced care directives
* History of type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to vancomycin
* Patients on intermittent hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario and 3 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: MRSA, vancomycin, trough, AUC

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.