Using medical thoracoscopy to diagnose undiagnosed pleural effusions

Medical Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Transudative and Exudative Pleural Effusion

NA · Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital · NCT06159179

This study tests whether a minimally invasive procedure called medical thoracoscopy can help doctors figure out the causes of unexplained fluid buildup in the lungs for better patient care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment124 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorDr Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta)
Trial IDNCT06159179 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of medical thoracoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, to diagnose undiagnosed transudative and exudative pleural effusions. Conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, the study aims to collect specimens for analysis of various biomarkers such as C-Reactive Protein, D-dimer, and Adenosine Deaminase to determine the underlying causes of pleural effusions. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and conscious sedation, allowing for both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. By identifying the etiology of pleural effusions, the study seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalization times.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are hospitalized adults aged 18 to 75 with undiagnosed transudative and exudative pleural effusions.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have specific chronic conditions such as chronic heart failure or chronic kidney disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of pleural effusions, ultimately improving patient management and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been many studies on pleural effusions, the specific use of medical thoracoscopy for diagnosing both transudative and exudative effusions is less explored, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Hospitalized adult age 18 - 75 years old
* Willing to be involved in the research
* Undiagnosed transudative and exudative pleural effusion post-thoracentesis twice on right and left lung
* Patients can undergo medical thoracoscopy under local anesthesia, based on ATS and BTS guideline

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant and breastfeeding women
* Patients in non-invasive ventilation and mechanical ventilator
* Transudative and exudative pleural effusion with etiology of chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, hepatocirrhosis with or without hepatic hydrothorax and hypoalbuminemia.

Where this trial is running

Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Medical Thoracoscopy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.