Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Medical Center Conducting Clinical Trial on Skin Infection

Study Investigates Antibiotic Used In Europe for Cellulitis

May 24, 2016

As diseases become stubbornly resistant to antibiotics, researchers are looking for more effective ways to treat illnesses, especially ones that develop from bacteria entering the body through a cut in the skin. Holy Name Medical Center is one of only 25 centers nationwide participating in a study using fusidic acid, an antibiotic widely used in Europe and Australia, to treat cellulitis – a potentially serious infection of the skin and the tissues under it.

Cellulitis can occur after the skin is broken by a nick, injection or surgery, and one of various types of bacteria penetrates the opening. The most common infections are staph and strep but MRSA, a severe bacterial illness that can be lethal, is also becoming more widespread. Currently, most of these infections require two antibiotics for treatment.

"Holy Name is proud to participate in a study that may contribute to the reduced use of antibiotics," said Dr. Thomas Birch, who specializes in infectious diseases. "We have to find new antibiotic therapies because overuse of these medications has made bacteria resistant to them and many are now ineffective."

Patients with severe to moderate cellulitis are typically treated with intravenous antibiotics, requiring hospitalization. With fusidic acid, these patients can be identified in Holy Name's Emergency Department and sent home with treatment. Currently, this medication is available in the U.S. solely through clinical studies.

Patients suffering with cellulitis will have a swollen, red area of skin that may be hot and tender. It can spread to other parts of the body and patients may also experience chills and sweats. It may be fatal if not treated but doesn’t usually spread to other people.

"We are always looking for ways to offer our patients the most innovative and advanced treatments and our clinical trials play a pivotal role in these opportunities," said Dr. Ravit Barkama, Assistant Vice President of Clinical Development. "This particular study treats moderate to severe cellulitis without requiring hospitalization and with a single new antibiotic in a pill form."

Anyone aged 18 and older suffering with cellulitis may be eligible to participate in the study. Call 201-541-6312 for more information.

Go to Clinical Studies List for more information about the national study.