Evaluating the use of anti-MRSA antibiotics in osteomyelitis without confirmed MRSA

Don't Treat Ghosts: Anti-MRSA Antibiotics in Osteomyelitis Without Identified MRSA

Observational Methodist Health System · NCT06096012

This study is testing whether giving strong antibiotics for MRSA to patients with bone infections, even when MRSA isn't confirmed, can lead to better treatment outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment365 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorMethodist Health System Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06096012 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients diagnosed with osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, particularly in the lower limb. It aims to assess the appropriateness of administering anti-MRSA antibiotics when there is no confirmed presence of MRSA. The study will involve patients admitted to Methodist Health System hospitals over a six-year period, with a focus on those requiring intravenous antibiotics for at least four weeks. The research will analyze treatment outcomes based on microbiological data and clinical responses.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with documented lower limb osteomyelitis requiring intravenous antibiotics for at least four weeks.

Not a fit: Patients who have a positive MRSA culture during their admission or are receiving anti-MRSA monotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more targeted antibiotic use, reducing unnecessary treatments and improving patient outcomes in osteomyelitis.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in osteomyelitis treatment, this specific approach of evaluating anti-MRSA use without confirmed MRSA is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Admission to any MHS hospital between April 1, 2017 and April 1, 2023

  * \> 18 years of age
  * Documented osteomyelitis location of the lower limb via ICD-10 code
  * Documented imaging of lower limb osteomyelitis during index admission
  * Planned intravenous (IV) antibiotics for at least 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

* • IV antibiotics for less than 24 hours inpatient

  * Planned surgical intervention documented at admission
  * Patients receiving monotherapy with an anti-MRSA agent
  * Positive MRSA culture during index admission
  * Current outpatient antibiotic use on index admission
  * Repeated hospital admission during study period

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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 Osteomyelitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.