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Pleural irrigation trial (PIT): A randomised controlled trial of pleural irrigation with normal saline versus standard care in patients with pleural infection

Maskell, Nick A.; Zahan-Evans, Natalie; Harvey, John E.; Medford, Andrew R.L.; Clive, Amelia O.; Edey, Anthony J.; Hooper, Clare E.; Hooper, Clare E; Edey, Anthony J; Wallis, Anthony; Clive, Amelia O; Morley, Anna; White, Paul; Medford, Andrew R L; Harvey, John E; Darby, Mike; Zahan Evans, Natalie; Maskell, Nick A

Authors

Nick A. Maskell

Natalie Zahan-Evans

John E. Harvey

Andrew R.L. Medford

Amelia O. Clive

Anthony J. Edey

Clare E. Hooper

Clare E Hooper

Anthony J Edey

Anthony Wallis

Amelia O Clive

Anna Morley

Paul White Paul.White@uwe.ac.uk
Professor in Applied Statistics

Andrew R L Medford

John E Harvey

Mike Darby

Natalie Zahan Evans

Nick A Maskell



Abstract

© ERS 2015. Pleural infection is increasing in incidence. Despite optimal medical management, up to 30% of patients will die or require surgery. Case reports suggest that irrigation of the pleural space with saline may be beneficial. A randomised controlled pilot study in which saline pleural irrigation (three times per day for 3 days) plus best-practice management was compared with best-practice management alone was performed in patients with pleural infection requiring chest-tube drainage. The primary outcome was percentage change in computed tomography pleural fluid volume from day 0 to day 3. Secondary outcomes included surgical referral rate, hospital stay and adverse events. 35 patients were randomised. Patients receiving saline irrigation had a significantly greater reduction in pleural collection volume on computed tomography compared to those receiving standard care (median (interquartile range) 32.3% (19.6-43.7%) reduction versus 15.3% (-5.5-28%) reduction) ( p

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2015
Journal European Respiratory Journal
Print ISSN 0903-1936
Electronic ISSN 1399-3003
Publisher European Respiratory Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 46
Issue 2
Pages 456-463
DOI https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00147214
Keywords PIT trial, saline irrigation, pleural infection
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/830191
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00147214