Continuation Of a Study to Investigate the Effect of Thoracocentesis on Neural Respiratory Drive in Pleural Effusion

Launched by GUY'S AND ST THOMAS' NHS FOUNDATION TRUST · Jul 11, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how a procedure called thoracocentesis, which is used to remove excess fluid from around the lungs (known as pleural effusion), affects breathing in patients who feel short of breath. The researchers want to understand more about how this fluid buildup relates to difficulty in breathing, particularly in patients who have fluid on one side of their chest.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a pleural effusion on one side of your chest that requires treatment. This could mean needing thoracocentesis, a chest drain, or already having a special device called an IPC in place. If you decide to take part, you will undergo the procedure, and researchers will monitor how it affects your breathing. It’s important to note that you won’t be able to join if you have certain medical conditions that might make the procedure unsafe or if you're unable to give consent. This study is currently recruiting participants, so if you or a family member are interested and meet the criteria, you may want to consider joining.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18 years or above
• • Has a unilateral pleural effusion AND
• • 1. require thoracocentesis OR
• • 2. chest drain insertion (main study only) OR
• • 3. has an IPC in situ (main study only)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to consent
• • Any contraindications to the proposed pleural procedure
• • Haemodynamic or clinical instability that precludes from the safe completion of required pre-procedural measurements
• • Inability to identify surface landmarks for surface EMG electrode placement
• • Past medical history of diaphragmatic paralysis (diaphragm sub study only)