CompletedNot Applicable

Retrospective Review on Patients With Culture Negative Empyema

Hong Kong153 participantsStarted 2018-05-03

Plain-language summary

Empyema is associated with a wide range of complication and mortality. It is defined by either a positive pleural fluid culture or grossly pus appearance. However, little is known about the differences in aetiology and outcome between culture-positive empyema (CPE) and culture-negative empyema (CNE). The aim of the current study is to look at the local prevalence of CNE, and compare the clinical outcome between CPE and CNE.

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: i. All patients hospitalized for empyema, defined by the presence of purulent pleural fluid or positive culture result from pleural fluid ii. Age greater than 18 years old Exclusion Criteria: i. Inappropriate diagnosis of empyema after evaluation ii. Tuberculous pleuritis, defined by presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture from pleural fluid or granulomatous inflammation on pleural biopsy histology

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

Compare the mortality rate within same admission between patients with culture-positive empyema (CPE) and culture-negative empyema (CNE)

Timeframe: Within the same episode of hospitalization or 7 days, whichever longer

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04477980

SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2020-02-29

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Empyema, Pleural trials