CompletedPhase 4

Recurrent Throat Infections and Tonsillectomy

Finland87 participantsStarted 2007-11

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to find out if tonsillectomy reduces the short-term risk of having an objectively confirmed (sequential changes in serum crp and procalcitonin levels) delayed pharyngitis episode among patients suffering from recurrent pharyngitis episodes. Other aims are to find out the effect of tonsillectomy to reduce the number of pharyngitis episodes or symptoms. Still, the possible disadvantages of tonsillectomy and changes in the quality of life after tonsillectomy among these patients are examined.

Who can participate

Age range

13 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients selected among the cases referred to tonsillectomy for recurrent pharyngitis episodes to a tertiary care university ENT clinic (Oulu, Finland). * At least three pharyngitis episodes difficult enough for the patients to seek for medical attention during the past 12 months Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with other serious diseases (day surgery not feasible) * Patients having long time antibiotic treatment for other disease * Patients diagnosed to have peritonsillar abscess * Pregnancy * Age of 12 or under * Patients living outside Oulu or its 8 neighbouring cities (day surgery not feasible) * Patients suffering only from halitosis or bacterial plugs of palatine tonsils

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Absolute percentage difference between groups of patients having pharyngitis with delayed recovery time defined by symptoms and blood sample values (crp, procalcitonin)

Timeframe: 5 months follow up

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00547391

SponsorOulu University Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2010-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Tonsillitis trials