Assessing pleural fluid NT-proBNP levels to differentiate heart failure-related pleural effusions
Comparing N-terminal-proB-type Natriuretic Peptide with Other Diagnostic Criteria in Discriminating Heart Failure-associated from Non-heart Failure-associated Pleural Effusions
This study is testing if measuring NT-proBNP levels in pleural fluid can help doctors tell the difference between pleural effusions caused by heart failure and those caused by other issues in patients needing fluid analysis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, New Territories) |
| Trial ID | NCT05797649 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pleural fluid N-terminal-proB-type-natriuretic-peptide (NTproBNP) levels in distinguishing between heart failure-associated and non-heart failure-associated pleural effusions. It will involve a prospective case-control design with patients requiring thoracentesis for pleural effusion analysis. The study will compare NTproBNP levels against existing diagnostic criteria, such as Light's criteria and serum/pleural fluid protein gradients. Patient outcomes will be monitored for up to three months to confirm the cause of pleural effusion.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include hospitalized patients aged 18 and older with heart failure and pleural effusion requiring fluid analysis.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of intrapleural therapy or recent thoracic surgery may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses of heart failure-related pleural effusions, improving patient management.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar diagnostic approaches, but the specific use of pleural fluid NTproBNP levels in this context is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients hospitalized for heart failure and pleural effusion * Pleural tapping indicated for pleural fluid analysis. * Aged 18 years old or above Exclusion Criteria: * History of intrapleural therapy (including talc and fibrinolytic) in the ipsilateral pleural space. * History of surgical decortication or pleurodesis in the ipsilateral pleural space. * Ipsilateral thoracic or cardiac surgery in the past 3 months. * Failure to obtain informed consent due to the patient's refusal or cognitive impairment.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, New Territories
- Prince of Wales Hospital — Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christopher Chan, MBChB
- Email: christopherchan@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: 35053396
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.