Evaluating Pleural Fluid NT-proBNP and Other Tests to Identify Heart Failure-Related Pleural Effusions

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how well the levels of a substance called N-terminal-proB-type-natriuretic-peptide NTproBNP in pleural fluid can identify pleural effusions caused by heart failure HF. This observational study compares NTproBNP with other standard biochemical tests to see which better distinguishes heart failure-related pleural effusions from those caused by other conditions such as infections, malignancies, or fluid overload. The study is conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and follows patient outcomes for up to three months to confirm the cause of pleural effusion. The study involves patients with pleural effusion who require thoracentesis to analyze the pleural fluid. Two groups are observed those with pleural effusion due to heart failure and those with effusions from other causes. Researchers will measure pleural fluid levels of NTproBNP, albumin, protein, and lactate dehydrogenase LDH. Heart failure diagnosis will be confirmed based on clinical features, serum NTproBNP, and echocardiogram results. No treatments are assigned, as this is an observational study. Participants will undergo pleural fluid sampling and clinical assessments including echocardiograms. Researchers will track biochemical markers and clinical factors such as comorbidities and nutritional status over 24 months. They will analyze how well NTproBNP levels correlate with heart failure diagnosis and patient prognosis. The main outcome is comparing the diagnostic accuracy of NTproBNP to other biochemical criteria for identifying heart failure-related pleural effusions. The study does not affect patient care and includes follow-up to monitor outcomes.

Comparing the Diagnostic Sensitivity and Specificity of Pleural Fluid N-Terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) and Other Biochemical Gradient Criteria in Distinguishing Heart Failure and Non-heart Failure Related Pleural Effusions (CENTRE Study)