Treatment of Complicated Parapneumonic Effusion With Fibrinolytic Therapy Versus VATs Decortication

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2020-02-02
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

This study aims to standardize the treatment of pleural space (parapneumonic) infections by comparing the difference in outcomes between 2 methods of treatment: early VATS (Video Assisted Thorascopic Surgery) decortication versus fibrinolytic therapy. During treatment, the patient's coagulopathy status will also be evaluated.

• Phase: N/A
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Denver Health and Hospital Authority

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years old and older

• Admitted with pleural effusion that undergoes thoracentesis by medical/pulmonary service

• Pleural fluid pH <7.3

• SICU placed chest tube

• Subsequent transfer to SICU

Exclusion Criteria:

• Existing malignancy

• Malignant cells from initial pleural fluid sample

• End stage liver disease (Child's B or greater)

• Coagulopathy

• Unable to tolerate surgical procedure

• Frank purulent drainage (needs OR regardless)

• Recent surgery of abdomen or thorax precluding the use of tPA

• Baseline neurologic impairment requiring a proxy for consent