Ongoing Clinical Trials for Tonsillitis
There are currently 2 ongoing clinical trials investigating treatments for tonsillitis. These studies are exploring different approaches to managing both acute and chronic forms of the condition, including antibiotic treatment for severe cases without bacterial infection and pain management strategies after tonsil removal surgery. Trials are taking place in Sweden and Austria.
Clinical trial locations
- Austria
- Sweden
Study on Phenoxymethylpenicillin for Patients with Severe Streptococcus Group A-Negative Acute Tonsillitis
This trial, conducted in Sweden, is examining whether the antibiotic phenoxymethylpenicillin can help reduce symptom duration in patients experiencing severe acute tonsillitis that is not caused by Streptococcus group A bacteria.
Who can participate:
- Adults and young adults aged 15 years or older
- Patients experiencing sore throat or pain when swallowing
- Those with a Centor score of 3-4, meaning they have symptoms such as no cough, fever above 38.5°C, swollen and tender lymph nodes, and a white or yellow coating on the tonsils
- Symptoms must have been present for less than 8 days
- A rapid test for Streptococcus group A bacteria must be taken
- Ability to provide informed consent (for those under 18, parental consent is also required)
Who cannot participate:
- Patients without severe symptoms
- Those with a positive test for Group A Streptococcus bacteria
- Individuals outside the specified age range
- People who are part of vulnerable populations requiring special protection
What the trial involves: Participants are randomly assigned to receive either phenoxymethylpenicillin or no antibiotic treatment. The study monitors how many days it takes for symptoms to resolve, comparing the antibiotic group to those receiving usual care without antibiotics. This research aims to determine whether antibiotics are truly beneficial for severe cases of acute tonsillitis when the common bacterial culprit is not present.
The antibiotic being tested, phenoxymethylpenicillin, is taken orally and works by breaking down bacterial cell walls. The study is expected to conclude by December 2024.
Study on Ropivacaine and Lidocaine for Reducing Pain After Tonsil Removal in Patients with Chronic Tonsillitis
This Austrian trial is comparing two local anesthetics, ropivacaine and lidocaine, to determine which provides better pain relief after tonsillectomy surgery in patients with chronic tonsillitis.
Who can participate:
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Patients diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis
- Those who have received a recommendation for tonsillectomy from an ear, nose, and throat specialist
Who cannot participate:
- Patients with any medical condition other than chronic tonsillitis
- Those who cannot provide informed consent
- Individuals who are part of vulnerable populations
What the trial involves: During the tonsil removal surgery, patients receive local anesthesia with either ropivacaine or lidocaine. After surgery, pain levels are carefully monitored using a Visual Analog Scale, which measures pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). Measurements are taken four times daily for the first three days in hospital, and continue four times daily from day 4 to day 14 after discharge. The study also tracks how much pain medication patients need during their hospital stay and how quickly they require additional pain relief after surgery.
Both medications work by blocking nerve signals to numb the area and reduce pain. The goal is to identify which anesthetic provides more effective pain management, potentially improving recovery experiences for patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Recruitment is expected to begin in mid-2025, with the study concluding by the end of 2025.
Summary
The two ongoing clinical trials for tonsillitis represent distinct approaches to managing different aspects of the condition. One trial in Sweden focuses on acute tonsillitis treatment with antibiotics in cases where the common bacterial cause is absent, while the other in Austria addresses pain management after surgical removal of chronically inflamed tonsils. Together, these studies aim to refine treatment strategies for both medical and surgical management of tonsillitis, potentially improving outcomes for patients in primary care and hospital settings. The trials are geographically diverse, taking place in Northern and Central Europe, and are expected to provide results between 2024 and 2025.
