Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole or Doxycycline for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Summary

Background: In many communities, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) with MRSA have become more prevalent than infections with β-lactam susceptible bacteria. This has necessitated altered empiric antimicrobial therapy of SSTI to cover MRSA. Objective: To evaluate empiric therapy with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or doxycycline for outpatient SSTI in an area of high MRSA prevalence. Design: Randomized, prospective, open-label investigation. Setting: Emergency Department of Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Patients: Adults with SSTI. Intervention: Empiric oral therapy with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (160 mg/800 mg, twice daily) or doxycycline (100 mg, twice daily). Measurement: The primary endpoint was clinical failure defined as hospitalization or change in antibiotic therapy over the 10 to 14 days after initial emergency department evaluation.

Timeline

Start

2005-08

Primary completion

—

Completion

2006-07

Drugs

Indications