Adding saline irrigation to standard treatment for pleural infections

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of saline irrigation through a chest tube in conjunction with standard intrapleural thrombolytic therapy for patients diagnosed with pleural space infections. The research focuses on improving pleural fluid evacuation and reducing hospital stays by potentially diluting bacteria and inflammatory factors in the pleural space. Patients will receive saline irrigation while undergoing standard antimicrobial therapy, and outcomes will be assessed based on clinical and radiographic improvements. The study is conducted at the Mayo Clinic, leveraging their expertise in interventional pulmonary care.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion criteria:

* Purulent pleural fluid versus pleural fluid analysis demonstrating pH \<7.2, glucose \<60 mg/dL, positive Gram stain, or positive pleural fluid culture versus multiseptated pleural effusion with infection at top of differential diagnosis
* Patients initiating intrapleural lytic therapy under the care of the Interventional Pulmonary consult service at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unwillingness to give informed consent
* Patients with known bleeding diathesis
* Platelet count \<50,000 per μL
* INR \>2.2 (of note, INR can be allowed to drift down or be reversed pharmacologically prior to initiation of intrapleural lytics/saline)
* Current use of systemic anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy without the ability to hold therapy for the recommended amount of time prior to an invasive procedure (aspirin monotherapy is acceptable)
* Pregnant or nursing females, or females of child-bearing potential who decline a pregnancy test prior to enrollment
* Incarcerated patients
* Presence of ipsilateral bronchopleural fistula
* Current or recent (within past 30 days) presence of tunneled pleural catheter on the same side as the current proven/suspected pleural space infection

Where it's running

• Mayo Clinic in Rochester
  Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Dagny Anderson, MD — Mayo Clinic

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.