Comparing two bronchoscopy methods for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Using a Conventional Bronchoscope vs. Bronchial Washing Using a Thin Bronchoscope to Diagnose Pulmonary Tuberculosis: a Prospective Randomized Trial
This study is testing which of two bronchoscopy methods works better to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis in patients who can’t produce sputum for testing.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 132 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Pusan National University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Busan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06159023 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two bronchoscopy techniques in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). It will evaluate the diagnostic yield of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) using a thick conventional bronchoscope against bronchial washing (BW) using a thin bronchoscope. The study targets patients who are suspected of having pulmonary TB but are unable to produce sputum for testing. By directly comparing these two methods, the research seeks to determine which approach provides a higher diagnostic yield for TB.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 17 years old with suspected pulmonary TB who cannot produce sputum.
Not a fit: Patients who are already receiving empirical TB treatment or have contraindications for bronchoscopy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the accuracy of pulmonary TB diagnoses, leading to better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown increased diagnostic yields with thin bronchoscopes, but this specific comparison with BAL has not been tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * participants age \> 17 years with suspected pulmonary TB * possible active pulmonary TB evident on chest radiography or CT scan * negative AFB smear results (using two consecutive self-expectorated sputum) * negative TB-PCR results (using one self-expectorated sputum) * inability to produce self-expectorated sputum Exclusion Criteria: * a request for empirical TB treatment rather than bronchoscopy * suspect pulmonary TB lesions that are difficult to target for BAL or BW (e.g., multiple discrete tiny nodules) * contra-indication of bronchoscopy (e.g., bleeding tendency, hypoxemia requiring oxygen, or uncontrolled cardio/cerebrovascular disease)
Where this trial is running
Busan
- Pusan National University Hospital — Busan, Korea, Republic of (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeongha Mok — Pusan National University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jeongha Mok
- Email: mokgamokga@gmail.com
- Phone: 82-51-240-7889
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.