Catheter-directed Thrombolysis in Intermediate-high Risk Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Czechia558 participantsStarted 2022-10-19
Plain-language summary
Background: Intermediate-high risk acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains associated with substantial mortality despite standard anticoagulation therapy. Previous efforts to decrease mortality in these patients via administration of systemic thrombolysis have failed due to an increased rate of major bleeding complications. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) has already shown some promising results in terms of efficacy and safety, including the results of our randomized pilot study. However, large randomized trials with clinical endpoints comparing catheter-directed local thrombolysis versus standard anticoagulation therapy are still lacking, thus the treatment of intermediate-high risk acute PE patients has not changed for decades. Hypothesis: Catheter-directed local thrombolysis is superior to standard anticoagulation therapy in the treatment of intermediate-high risk acute pulmonary embolism, with no additional safety concerns. Statistical considerations: Estimated incidence of the primary endpoint of 1.5% in the CDT group and 6.0% in the standard anticoagulation group, 80% power for each arm with a 2-sided alpha of 0.05. Five hundred fifty-eight should provide the requisite number of events. Statistical Analysis - Intention to Treat. Methods and Results: A Multicentre, Randomized Trial of Catheter-directed thrombolysis in intermediate-high risk acute pulmonary embolism (PRAGUE-26) is a noncommercial, multicentre, randomized, controlled parallel-group comparison trial. The trial plans to include 558 patients with intermediate-high risk acute PE. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to CDT or to standard anticoagulation therapy. The primary outcome of the study is a clinical composite of all-cause mortality, PE recurrence or cardiorespiratory decompensation, within 7 days of randomization. Secondary objectives cover all bleeding complications, functional and patient-reported outcomes over a follow-up period of 24 months and cost-effectiveness analysis.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 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
. Age \> 18 years and not over 80 years.
. Computed tomography angiography (CTA)-verified proximal\* PE AND symptom onset \< 14 days prior.
. Intermediate-high risk PE with a SPESI score ≥ 1 AND RV dysfunction\*\* AND an elevated biomarker \*\*\* (hs-troponin or NT-proBNP) level.
. Signed informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
. Active clinically significant bleeding.
. Any haemorrhagic stroke OR a recent (\< 6 months) ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack.
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.