Strategy for Prompt and Effective Thoracentesis in the Emergency Department

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF AARHUS · Dec 12, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The SPEEDTAP trial is a clinical study designed to find out the best way to remove fluid from around the lungs, a condition known as pleural effusion, which can occur in patients with heart failure and other pleural diseases. In this trial, patients will be randomly assigned to one of two methods: one group will have the fluid removed manually in the emergency department, while the other group will have the fluid drained using gravity in the radiology department. The main goal of the study is to see which method allows for quicker and more complete fluid drainage.

To participate in this trial, you must be at least 18 years old and have pleural effusion confirmed by imaging tests like an ultrasound or chest X-ray. You should also need the procedure for symptom relief or to understand the cause of the fluid buildup and not have any conditions that would prevent you from safely undergoing the procedure. If you join the trial, you can expect to be closely monitored for your safety, and the study will also look at how long you stay in the emergency department and other important factors. This research aims to improve care for patients with pleural effusion in emergency situations.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients ≥ 18 years admitted to the ED
• • Pleural effusion detected by any imaging modality (e.g., bedside ultrasound, chest x-ray, computed tomography)
• • Clinically justified need for thoracentesis ( symptomatic relief and/or define the etiology of the effusion
• • Without contraindication for thoracentesis in the emergency department (e.g., anticoagulant treatment)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Life-threatening respiratory distress
• • Not able to give consent
• • Previous pleurodesis
• • Effusion does not appear free-flowing due to septations or loculations / suspected empyema
• • Prior enrollment in the trial
• • If randomization is not possible because decision to insert a pigtail catheter is made in the radiology department