Using ultrasound to differentiate between tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion
A Prospective Observational Study on the Role of Transthoracic Ultrasound in Differentiating Tuberculous From Malignant Pleural Effusion
This study is testing whether ultrasound can help doctors tell the difference between fluid in the lungs caused by tuberculosis and fluid caused by cancer in adults with unexplained lung fluid buildup.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sarawak General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kuching, Sarawak) |
| Trial ID | NCT05935696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of transthoracic ultrasound in distinguishing between tuberculous pleural effusion (TBE) and malignant pleural effusion (MPE) in adult patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion. The study will assess various echographic features and clinical parameters to develop a predictive model for TBE. Additionally, it will explore the correlation between pleural fluid characteristics and ultrasound findings, as well as determine the optimal cut-off value for pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels in the local context. The ultimate goal is to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management in resource-limited settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients aged 18 years or older with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion who are planning to undergo diagnostic medical thoracoscopy.
Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those undergoing therapeutic thoracoscopy with a known diagnosis will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses of pleural effusions, improving patient outcomes and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in using ultrasound for similar diagnostic purposes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All adult patients 18 years old or more * Undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion planning for diagnostic medical thoracoscopy Exclusion Criteria: * Patient less than 18 years old * Patient for therapeutic medical thoracoscope (i.e., medical thoracoscopic adhesiolysis in patient with parapneumonic pleural effusion) in which diagnosis is already known.
Where this trial is running
Kuching, Sarawak
- Sarawak General Hospital — Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia (Recruiting)
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.