Precision Antibiotic Dosing for Appendectomy

This interventional, phase 1 study aims to improve surgical site infection (SSI) prevention in patients undergoing appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis. Despite standard antibiotic prophylaxis, SSI rates remain high, with a pelvic abscess risk of 9.4%. Current prophylactic antibiotic regimens may not achieve optimal tissue concentrations, especially in fat and appendix tissue.

This study will evaluate the probability of target attainment (PTA) of cefoxitin, cefuroxime, and metronidazole in plasma, subcutaneous fat, and appendix tissue. A cohort of 46 adult patients will be randomized to receive standard-of-care antibiotics with or without an additional cefoxitin dose. Antibiotic concentrations will be measured in collected blood, fat, and appendix samples.

The study's primary objective is to determine whether a supplemental cefoxitin dose improves PTA compared to standard prophylaxis. Population pharmacokinetic modeling will validate the intervention's effectiveness in optimizing antibiotic exposure and reducing SSI risk. The results may inform future precision antibiotic dosing strategies for appendectomy and other acute care surgeries.

Primary Outcome Measure:

Probability of achieving 50% time above 8 mcg/mL (cefuroxime or cefoxitin) in appendix tissue between intervention and standard care groups.

Study Design:

Randomized, interventional, phase 1 study Enrollment: 46 participants Inclusion: Adults (\>18 years) undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis Exclusion: Pregnant individuals, prisoners, patients with perforation or abscess This study seeks to improve perioperative antibiotic management, reducing SSI rates while minimizing unnecessary antibiotic exposure and resistance development.