A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Reducing Urinary Tract Infection (APPEAL): Statistical Analysis Plan and Methodology
Abstract
BackgroundUrinary tract infection (UTI) is a recognized complication of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for urolithiasis. Evidence guiding antibiotic prophylaxis remains of low certainty, contributing to substantial practice variation and conflicting guidelines. A well-powered, blinded randomized trial is essential to provide trustworthy evidence for clinical practice.
Study DesignAn international, multicentre, randomized controlled trial (the APPEAL trial) assessing the benefits and harms of a single dose of ciprofloxacin versus placebo before SWL in reducing post-procedure UTI. Patients, healthcare providers, data collectors, outcome adjudicators and statisticians blinded to treatment assignment.
EndpointsAppeals primary outcome is bacteriuria or symptomatic UTI (symptomatic UTI defined as symptomatic cystitis, pyelonephritis, or urosepsis) within approximately 7-14 days post-SWL. Other outcomes include pyelonephritis or urosepsis, and serious adverse events.
Patients and MethodsOver 1,500 patients from high- and middle-income countries undergoing SWL for nephrolithiasis or ureterolithiasis. Exclusion criteria include a positive pre-SWL urine analysis for nitrites or urine culture, ongoing or planned antibiotic use, suspected struvite stones, urinary catheters or diversion, or a history of urosepsis.
Imminent report of APPEAL will provide high-quality evidence on the role of antibiotic prophylaxis in SWL and identify subgroups that may benefit most.
Trial…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 1,500 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Association of lower urinary tract symptoms and OAB severity with quality of life and mental health in China, Taiwan and South Korea: results from a cross-sectional, population-based study
- Ten-Day Quadruple Therapy Comprising Low-Dose Rabeprazole, Bismuth, Amoxicillin, and Tetracycline Is an Effective and Safe First-Line Treatment for Helicobacter pylori Infection in a Population with High Antibiotic Resistance: a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel-Controlled Clinical Trial in China
- The Role of the NLR and PLR in Urinary Tract Infection
- Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance among Pilgrims with Infectious Diseases during Hajj: Lessons Learnt from COVID-19 Pandemic
- Leclercia adecarboxylata urinary tract infection in a patient with bladder cancer and recurrent hematuria
- A Case Series of Staphylococcus lugdunensis Infection in Cancer Patients at an Academic Cancer Institute in the United States
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.