Drainage of Tuberculous Pleural Effusions (NCT00524147) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Drainage of Tuberculous Pleural Effusions
Taiwan64 participantsStarted 2003-10
Plain-language summary
Tuberculous (TB) pleurisy can cause clinical symptoms and pleural fibrosis with resultant residual pleural thickening (RPT). Therapeutic thoracentesis or initial complete drainage in addition to anti-TB drugs have been tried to rapidly relieve dyspnea caused by effusion and to decrease the occurrence of RPT. However, contradictory results are reported without clear reasons. The researchers' hypothesis is that, in addition to anti-TB medications, early effective evacuation of inflammatory exudates with or without fibrinolytic agents may hasten resolution of pleural effusion, reduce the occurrence of RPT and finally improve long-term functional outcome in patients with TB pleurisy.
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:
* Diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of invasive procedures directed into the pleural cavity
* Recent severe trauma, hemorrhage, or stroke; bleeding disorder or anticoagulant therapy
* Use of streptokinase in the previous 2 years
* Lack of clinical symptoms caused by effusions
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
1
Chest radiography, daily monitoring of the volume of fluid drained, the time needed for resolution of fever and dyspnea, and total amounts of fluid drained, and the length of chest drainage and hospitalization
Timeframe: baseline, daily after treatment within admission