RecruitingInterventional

A study to compare a single drainage procedure (therapeutic aspiration) versus a standard chest tube for the initial treatment of infected fluid around the lung

When people get chest infections, fluid can sometimes build up around the lung, which can get infected. This condition, called 'pleural infection', affects many people in the UK each year and often means a long hospital stay. This study wants to find better ways to treat it. Currently, a tube is put into the chest to drain the fluid, but this can be uncomfortable and keep patients in hospital for weeks. We're looking at whether a single, less invasive drainage method could work just as well, allowing patients to be more mobile and go home sooner. We're also checking how antibiotics work in the fluid to see if we can improve how they're given, which could also shorten hospital stays.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

North Bristol NHS Trust

Enrolment target

172

Start

30 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Management of pleural infection

What is this study about?

Imagine your lungs are like balloons. Sometimes, with a bad chest infection, fluid can collect in the space around these 'balloons'. If this fluid gets infected, it's called a 'pleural infection'. This is a serious condition that affects over 10,000 people in the UK each year, especially older people or those with weaker immune systems. People with this condition often have to stay in hospital for a long time, sometimes over two weeks.

Currently, the main way to treat this is by putting a thin tube into your chest to drain the fluid. This tube stays in place until all the fluid is gone, which can take several days or even longer. While it helps, the tube can be sore and makes it hard to move around, meaning you have to stay in hospital. We also give strong antibiotics, but we're not sure if they always work best when given through a drip for a long time, which can lead to other problems like antibiotic resistance.

This study aims to find better ways to treat pleural infections so you can get well and go home sooner. We're doing this by asking two key questions: First, can we drain the fluid in a better way? We're comparing the standard chest tube with a different, usually quicker method called 'therapeutic aspiration', where the fluid is drained in a single go. We want to see if this less invasive method can safely reduce the number of days you need to stay in hospital. Second, can we improve how we give antibiotics? We'll be checking how well antibiotics get into the infected fluid. If we understand this better, doctors might be able to use shorter courses of antibiotics through a drip, which could also help you leave hospital earlier and reduce concerns about antibiotic resistance.

Key takeaways

This study compares two ways to drain infected fluid from around the lung.
It also looks at how antibiotics work to improve treatment.
The main goal is to help patients leave hospital sooner.
You'll be randomly assigned to either a chest tube or a single drainage procedure.
Both treatment methods are commonly used in the NHS.
Your participation could help improve future care for pleural infection patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 16 and over who are currently in hospital because of a pleural infection. To join, doctors will need to confirm that fluid drainage is needed based on certain tests.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have a very high risk of bleeding, or if you've already had certain chest surgeries or drains. Also, if you're already in another study where taking part in this one as well would be too much or cause problems, you might not be suitable. The doctors looking after you will check all these details carefully.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 16 years old or older?
Are you currently in hospital with a pleural infection?
Do your doctors think your infected fluid needs to be drained?
Do you have a high risk of bleeding that means drainage might be unsafe? (If yes, you might not be eligible).
Have you recently had chest surgery or a drain on the affected side? (If yes, you might not be eligible).
Are you already taking part in another clinical study? (If so, please discuss this with your doctor).

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. One group will have the infected fluid drained using a standard chest tube, which stays in for a few days. The other group will have the fluid drained using a single procedure called therapeutic aspiration, which might be quicker. Both are common ways to drain fluid.

During your treatment, we'll take some small samples of the fluid around your lung and your blood. This is to help us understand how well the antibiotics are working in the infected fluid. There won't be any extra hospital visits beyond what you would normally have for your condition, as this study takes place while you're already in hospital. The study will run until December 2029, and your involvement will be while you are being treated for your pleural infection.

Potential risks and benefits

We hope that every patient in this study will benefit from having their infected fluid drained, regardless of which method is used. Your participation will help doctors learn more and develop better treatments for future patients. If you are in the group receiving therapeutic aspiration, there's a chance you might be able to go home sooner, if it's safe and you agree. Both drainage methods used in this study are standard procedures in the NHS and have similar, known risks, such as some discomfort or bruising, and a small chance of bleeding. There's also a possibility that the initial drainage might not completely solve the infection, and further treatments could be needed. Taking blood samples can sometimes cause minor bruising or make some people feel faint. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (7)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

North Bristol NHS Trust
City only
Bristol, England
Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust
City only
Wakefield, England
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Hartlepool, England
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
City only
Stoke-on-trent, England
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Salisbury, England
NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
Unverified
Sheffield, England
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Taunton, England

Common questions

What is 'pleural infection'?

It's when fluid around your lungs gets infected, often after a chest infection. It can make you very unwell.

How will I know which drainage method I will get?

You'll be randomly assigned to either the standard chest tube or the single drainage procedure, like drawing lots. Neither you nor your doctor can choose.

Will taking part mean more time in hospital?

No, the aim of this study is actually to find ways to reduce your hospital stay. Your involvement only lasts while you're being treated for your pleural infection.

Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is completely your choice. Your medical care will not be affected if you decide not to participate.

What happens to the information collected about me?

Your personal information will be kept private and anonymised. The study uses the information to learn about pleural infections and how to treat them better.

How to find out more

David Smith

impact@ndm.ox.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.