Evaluating Saline Irrigation with Standard Chest Tube Thrombolytic Therapy for Treating Empyema and Complicated Pleural Infections

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether adding saline irrigation through a chest tube to the standard treatment improves outcomes for people diagnosed or suspected of having a pleural space infection, such as empyema or complicated parapneumonic effusion. This condition often leads to significant illness requiring procedures or surgery and extended hospital stays. Previous studies have shown benefits using intrapleural thrombolytic therapy, and saline irrigation may help reduce infection and fluid buildup by diluting harmful substances in the pleural space. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive standard intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy twice daily through a chest tube. The other group will receive the same fibrinolytic therapy plus daily saline irrigation of up to 250 cc through their chest tube until the pleural space is adequately drained, as determined by the treating physician. This study is conducted by the Mayo Clinic and focuses on hospitalized patients managed by their interventional pulmonary service. During the study, participants will be monitored for adequate chest fluid evacuation, need for further interventions, duration of chest tube use, hospital stay length, pain associated with saline irrigation, and any adverse events. These assessments will take place over approximately 3 to 14 days. The study includes regular clinical evaluations and imaging to measure treatment effects and safety. Participants involvement will last for the duration of their hospital stay related to the infection and treatment.

Pleural Space Saline Irrigation in Addition to Standard Intrapleural Thrombolytic Therapy in Empyema/Complicated Parapneumonic Effusion