Seeing if antibiotics given after surgery reduce recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma

Prospective Clinical Investigation on Infection as a Cause of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional University of Rostock · NCT07556991

This trial will test whether a short course of amoxicillin‑clavulanate given after surgery can lower the chance of chronic subdural hematoma coming back in adults.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment164 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Rostock Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rostock)
Trial IDNCT07556991 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, interventional Phase 2/3 trial enrolling adults (>18) who undergo surgical treatment for chronic subdural hematoma. Participants are randomized to receive either amoxicillin‑clavulanic acid or placebo after surgery and are followed for hematoma recurrence and related clinical outcomes. Key exclusion criteria include current or recent antibiotic treatment, active infection, recurrent cSDH, and patients managed conservatively without surgery. The trial is conducted at the University Medical Center Rostock as a single‑center effort.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults over 18 undergoing surgical treatment for a first‑time chronic subdural hematoma who are not currently on antibiotics and have no active infection.

Not a fit: Patients with recurrent hematomas, those treated conservatively (non‑surgically), or those already receiving antibiotics or with active infections are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, a short postoperative course of antibiotics could reduce recurrence and the need for repeat surgery in patients with chronic subdural hematoma.

How similar studies have performed: This is a relatively novel approach: retrospective reports suggest possible low‑grade infection in recurrent cases, but randomized controlled evidence is currently lacking.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \>18 years of age
* surgical treatment of chronic subdural hematoma

Exclusion Criteria:

* prior or current antibiotic treatment
* infection
* recurrent chronic subdural hematoma
* conservatively treated chronic subdural hematoma

Where this trial is running

Rostock

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 Chronic Subdural Hematomas
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.