Clinical Trial: Drainage of Tuberculous Pleural Effusions

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Drainage of Tuberculous Pleural Effusions

Brief 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.

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: Taipei Medical University Hospital

Current Primary Outcome: 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 [ Time Frame: baseline, daily after treatment within admission ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Chest radiography and pulmonary function testing with spirometry [ Time Frame: At discharge and at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months ]

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Taipei Medical University Hospital

Dates:
Date Received: August 31, 2007
Date Started: October 2003
Date Completion:
Last Updated: December 28, 2010
Last Verified: December 2010