UnknownNot Applicable

Angiogenic Cytokines and Fibrinolytic Activity in Parapneumonic Effusions

Taiwan80 participantsStarted 2008-01

Plain-language summary

Angiogenesis is a key process in the formation of exudative pleural effusions. Fluid loculation is common in parapneumonic effusion and is associated with depressed pleural fibrinolytic activity and poor clinical outcome. However, the relationship between angiogenic cytokines and fibrinolytic activity in the pleural space remains unclear. The researchers's hypothesis is that the levels of angiogenic cytokines were increased and associated with decreased fibrinolytic activity in parapneumonic effusions which may contribute to fibrin deposition and fluid loculation in the pleural space.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 90 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 pleural effusions of unknown causes admitted to Taipei Medical University Hospital were included if parapneumonic effusion was diagnosed as one associated with pneumonia according to the criteria of the American Thoracic Society (ie, patients with newly acquired respiratory symptoms, fever, and abnormal breath sounds, plus a new lung infiltrate seen on a chest radiograph). Exclusion Criteria: * History of chest trauma or invasive procedures directed into the pleural cavity; bleeding disorder or anticoagulant therapy * Use of streptokinase in the previous 2 years; and likely survival less than 6 months.

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

Response to treatment including improvement in vital signs and chest radiography

Timeframe: 5 days after treatment within admission

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01325454

SponsorTaipei Medical University Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2011-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pleural Effusion trials