Antibiotic management of complicated appendicitis

A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was undertaken comparing gentamicin, ampicillin, and clindamycin (GAC) to gentamicin, ampicillin, and placebo (GAP) in children with complicated appendicitis. Of the 64 patients enrolled in this study, 33 were assigned to the GAC group and 31 received GAP. A single GAC patient (3%) was considered a therapeutic failure in comparison to seven children (23%) in the GAP group ( P P P = 0.08). On the basis of this experience the routine use of gentamicin, ampicillin, and clindamycin is recommended for all children with complicated appendicitis.