Evaluating a diagnostic strategy for acute appendicitis in children with abdominal pain
Official title: Optimizing Management of Children Presenting With Acute Abdominal Pain in Primary Care: a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Impact of a Clinical Prediction Rule Including C-reactive Protein for Appendicitis
Run by University Medical Center Groningen · NCT06762275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way for doctors to figure out if kids with belly pain have appendicitis to see if it helps reduce unnecessary trips to the hospital while still catching any serious cases.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 566 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Medical Center Groningen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Groningen, Provincie Groningen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 6, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06762275 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 4 to 18 years who present with acute abdominal pain of less than 7 days duration.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have a history of appendectomy, are currently pregnant, or have a traumatic cause of abdominal pain 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 study aims to assess the effectiveness of a diagnostic strategy for acute appendicitis in children presenting with acute abdominal pain in primary care settings. It involves a cluster randomized controlled trial where general practitioners (GPs) in the intervention group will utilize a clinical prediction rule (cPR) and a C-reactive protein point-of-care test (CRP POCT) for medium-risk patients. The goal is to improve referral efficiency by reducing unnecessary referrals while ensuring that cases of acute appendicitis are not missed. The study compares this approach to the usual care provided by GPs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this strategy could lead to more accurate diagnoses and fewer unnecessary referrals for children with abdominal pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using clinical prediction rules and point-of-care tests for improving diagnostic accuracy in similar contexts, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: \- Children aged 4 to 18 years with acute abdominal pain (onset ≤ 7 days) who present at the GP. Exclusion criteria: * A history of appendectomy * Current pregnancy * Traumatic cause of abdominal pain
Where it's running
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University Medical Center Groningen
Groningen, Provincie Groningen, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gea A. Holtman, Dr. — University Medical Center Groningen
- Study coordinator: Gea A. Holtman, Dr.
- Email: g.a.holtman@umcg.nl
- Phone: +31642637125
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Effect of extraction site and local anesthesia on pain after laparoscopic appendectomy
This study tests whether using the periumbilical versus left lower quadrant extraction site and routine port-site local anesthesia affect postoperative pain in adults with acute appendicitis undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy.
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Video-based grading of intraoperative adverse events during pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy
This project tests whether using video recordings and ClassIntra can reliably grade intraoperative adverse events in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy.
-
Cuff pressure management during anesthesia for kids having laparoscopic appendectomy
This study tests whether continuously measuring and keeping the breathing-tube cuff pressure in a safe range reduces sore throat and other airway symptoms in children after laparoscopic appendectomy.
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Diagnosing abdominal pain with a six-RNA blood test
This study will test whether a blood test that measures six RNA markers can help doctors determine if abdominal pain in people aged 7 and older is caused by infections such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or pyelonephritis.
-
Outpatient care after emergency surgery for gangrenous appendicitis
This trial will test whether people older than 14 with gangrenous appendicitis can be safely discharged home the same day after emergency appendectomy instead of staying in the hospital.
-
How PEG bowel preparation affects gut bacteria in people with or without an appendix
This observational study will test whether polyethylene glycol colonoscopy prep changes gut bacteria differently in adults who have had an appendectomy compared with those who have not.
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.