UnknownNot Applicable

Alteplase for Treatment of Empyema and Complicated Parapneumonic Effusion

United States75 participantsStarted 2004-10

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to assess the benefit to patients with empyema or complicated parapneumonic effusion (CPE) using a daily versus twice daily Alteplase regimen of two different dose strategies compared with saline placebo.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * Ability to provide written informed consent * Age greater or equal to 18 yrs * Presence of empyema or CPE Exclusion Criteria: * Active internal bleeding * Pregnancy * Prior enrollment in this study * Platelet count less than 100,000/mm3 * Use of warfarin sodium if INR is greater than 1.7 * Use of heparin unless the PTT is less than 1.5 times baseline normal * Known neurological disorders * Current or pre-existing bleeding dyscrasia * Known allergy to Alteplase

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

Need for surgical intervention via thoracostomy or open decortication as a result of conservative therapy.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00103766

SponsorO'Brien, Jeana D., MD, FACP, FCCP

Sponsor typeINDIV

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Contact for this trial

Delores Gautier, RN, MSN

254-724-1769 lgautier@swmail.sw.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Empyema trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 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.