Description Module
The Description Module contains narrative descriptions of the clinical trial, including a brief summary and detailed description. These descriptions provide important information about the study's purpose, methodology, and key details in language accessible to both researchers and the general public.
Description Module path is as follows:
Study -> Protocol Section -> Description Module
Description Module
Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-24 @ 9:18 PM
Ignite Modification Date:
2025-12-24 @ 9:18 PM
NCT ID:
NCT00468104
Brief Summary:
The purpose of this study is to document the efficacy and safety of intrapleural instillation of Activase vs Placebo in the management of complicated pleural effusions and empyemas
Detailed Description:
The current treatments available for complicated pleural effusions (CPE) include chest tube placement for drainage and IV antibiotics. If this fails and CPE occurs then in most patients thoracotomy is performed. Patients that are not surgical candidates have image guided catheter placement performed, sometimes multiple times. The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) formed a CPE panel and published guidelines for treating CPE. Percutaneous image-guided drainage is the most common approach for CPE. The panel recognizes the cumulative data that supports the use of fibrinolytics, VATS, and thoracotomy. The CPE panel acknowledged the lack of randomized clinical trials to determine efficacy and safety of these modalities in CPE and strongly encourages the research to take place.
Fibrinolytic therapy is a relatively noninvasive, easy to use, and is relatively inexpensive. If successful, it will prevent sepsis and septic shock, decrease hospital stay, morbidity and mortality and prevent any surgical procedures. Multiple doses of fibrinolytics have been used in CPE with no evidence of systemic anti-fibrinolytic activity. Complications with these medications are also very uncommon and only isolated instances are reported. The benefit from successful pleural drainage using these agents will decrease morbidity, mortality, surgical procedures, and hospital stay.
Study:
NCT00468104
Study Brief:
Protocol Section:
NCT00468104