TRACT Study: Evaluation of the Value of Routine Thoraco-abdominal CT in Blunt Trauma Patients (NCT00228111) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
TRACT Study: Evaluation of the Value of Routine Thoraco-abdominal CT in Blunt Trauma Patients
Netherlands1,000 participantsStarted 2005-06
Plain-language summary
The aim of this study is to establish the additional effectiveness and costs of routine thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) in blunt trauma patients versus conventional radiological imaging and to determine which clinical parameters predict a high additional value of routine thoraco-abdominal CT.
Who can participate
Age range
16 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 with life threatening vital problems: respiratory, circulatory (pulse \> 120/min, blood pressure \< 100 mmHg, refill \> 4 sec, exterior blood loss \> 500 ml) or neurologically (Glasgow Coma Score \< 14, abnormal pupils) compromised patients.
* Patients with a revised trauma score under 12
* Patients with signs of fractures from at least two long bones
* Patients with clinical signs of flail chest/multiple rib fractures
* Patients with a clinically evident pelvic rim fracture
* Patients with signs of unstable vertebral fractures or signs of neural cord compression
* Patients involved in a high-energy injury mechanism
* Fall from height (\> 3 m)
* As declared by prehospital emergency medical services
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients suffering from a shock Class IIIB/IV
* Patients who need immediate neurosurgical intervention
* Pregnant patients
* Patients referred from other hospitals
* Patients who die at the emergency department
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.