Using Fitbit to detect infections in children after appendectomy
Official title: Using the Fitbit for Early Detection of Infection and Reduction of Healthcare Utilization After Discharge in Pediatric Surgical Patients
Run by Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NCT06395636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if using Fitbit data can help doctors spot infections early in children recovering from appendix surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06395636 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 3-18 years who have recently undergone laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are non-ambulatory, have significant pre-existing mobility limitations, or have other comorbidities affecting recovery 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 investigates the use of Fitbit data to predict postoperative infections in pediatric patients who have undergone laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. By analyzing near-real-time data on heart rate, physical activity, and sleep patterns, the study aims to enhance clinician decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Machine learning algorithms will be employed to interpret the large volumes of data generated by the Fitbit, allowing for timely interventions when physiological changes indicate potential infections. The goal is to monitor recovery more effectively and reduce postoperative healthcare utilization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier detection of infections, improving recovery times and reducing complications for pediatric surgical patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of consumer wearables in clinical settings is emerging, this specific application of Fitbit data for postoperative infection detection in pediatric patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * children aged 3-18 years * must be post-surgical laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis (Appendicitis is categorized as complicated if perforation, phlegmon, or abscess was present at surgery.) Exclusion Criteria: * children who are non-ambulatory or have any pre-existing mobility limitations * children who have a doctor-ordered physical activity limit \>48 hours post-surgery * children who have a comorbidity which will impact a patient's recovery * children and/or parents who do not speak English or Spanish (Translation services beyond Spanish will not be available at this time)
Where it's running
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Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
Winfield, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Northwestern University (Feinberg School of Medicine, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab)
Chicago, Illinois, United States Not yet recruiting -
Loyola University Medical Center
Maywood, Illinois, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fizan Abdullah, MD, PhD — Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Fizan Abdullah, MD, PhD
- Email: fabdullah@luriechildrens.org
- Phone: 312-227-4210
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
-
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.
-
Global assessment of appendicitis management outcomes
This study looks at how appendicitis is treated in hospitals around the world to see if improvements can be made for all patients needing surgery.
-
Evaluating the impact of peritoneal irrigation during laparoscopic appendectomy for appendicitis
This study is testing if washing out the abdomen during laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis can help prevent infections in adults with this condition.
-
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.
-
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.
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.