Prednisone to prevent recurrence of non-specific pleuritis

Pilot, RandOmized Study of the Feasibility and Efficacy of PrednisonE for Non-specifiC pleuriTis

Early Phase 1 Interventional Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT07039019

This study tests whether a short course of prednisone can reduce recurrent fluid buildup in adults with non-specific pleuritis after pleural biopsy.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Academic / other
Locations2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07039019 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized interventional study enrolls adults diagnosed with non-specific pleuritis by pleural biopsy and negative autoimmune serologies. Participants are assigned to receive corticosteroids per the institution's usual approach or to not receive corticosteroids, then followed for approximately six months with in-person visits every two weeks for the first month and monthly thereafter, plus possible telephone follow-ups. The study measures recurrence of pleural effusions, need for additional procedures, and corticosteroid-related side effects. About 40 participants are expected to provide preliminary data on feasibility and potential benefit.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with non-specific pleuritis confirmed by pleural biopsy, a negative autoimmune serologic profile, not currently on immunosuppressants, and able to give informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic/fibrinous pleuritis, positive autoimmune serologies, empyema, contraindications to corticosteroids, or those already receiving corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If prednisone reduces recurrence, patients could have fewer repeat procedures and less discomfort from pleural effusions.

How similar studies have performed: There is limited prior research specifically testing corticosteroids to prevent recurrence in non-specific pleuritis, so this is largely a novel, small pilot effort.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All adult patients with diagnosis of non-specific pleuritis as determined by pleural biopsy with a negative serologic autoimmune profile (ANA, ANCA, anti-DS DNA, anti-SS A/B, anti-centromere, RF, anti-CCP) are eligible

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic/fibrinous pleuritis
* Positive autoimmune serologic workup
* A contraindication to corticosteroids
* Empyema
* Patients already receiving corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications for any other indication
* Inability to obtain informed consent due to cognitive, neurologic or psychiatric impairment

Where this trial is running

New York, New York and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pleuritis, Non-specific
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.