COAT Study
This study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research. This is the main government funder for health studies in the NHS. The study is being sponsored by the University of Southampton and is being coordinated by the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit. Patients from The Adam Practice can take part, though there is no obligation to do so. Participation is entirely voluntary.
The study aims to compare a 5 day versus a 7 day course of an antibiotic called Flucloxacillin in patients with a diagnosis of cellulitis.
Cellulitis is a deep skin infection. Most people with cellulitis in the U.K. are treated with the antibiotic flucloxacillin for 7 days. However, research studies show that short courses of antibiotics (5 days or less) work as well as longer courses for many different types of infections, including serious infections like pneumonia. For cellulitis, there have been some studies that have shown that short courses work as well as longer course, and U.K. guidance recommends a 5 – 7 day course. However, there have not been any studies comparing short and longer courses of flucloxacillin prescribed outside of hospital settings (i.e. GP surgeries). Taking longer courses of antibiotics is likely to cause more side effects and kill off the ‘good bacteria’ that help keep us healthy.
Patients >18 years who have a diagnosis of cellulitis of one leg may be eligible to take part. Patients who have a penicillin allergy will not be suitable for the study.
Please link to the COAT study information site for full information.
www.coatstudy.org.uk
Recruitment – Open to recruitment
Lead Research staff contact for this study
Rebecca Cutts
Tracey Dare
Helen Smith
Sally Bradfield
Sarah Orr
Brenda Furlong
Principle Investigator for this study
Dr Patrick Moore
