A global study of pleural infection causes, management, and outcomes
The INTERMITTENT study is a worldwide project looking into pleural infection, which is when infected fluid builds up around the lungs. This condition usually follows pneumonia and can cause serious health problems. Treatments vary a lot, partly because we don't have enough information about different causes, management, and patient outcomes globally. This study will collect information from hospitals around the world during two specific periods to learn how common pleural infection is, what bacteria cause it, how patients are cared for, and how well they recover. The goal is to improve diagnosis and treatment for everyone affected by pleural infection.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The INTERMITTENT study is a big project designed to help us understand more about a condition called pleural infection. This happens when infected fluid or pus collects in the space between your lungs and your chest wall. It often develops after a lung infection like pneumonia and can make people very unwell, leading to longer hospital stays or even becoming life-threatening.
Currently, the way doctors treat pleural infection can be quite different from one country to another, or even in different hospitals within the same country. This is because there isn't a lot of global information about what causes these infections, how doctors manage them in real life, and what treatments work best for different patients.
The INTERMITTENT study aims to fill these gaps in our knowledge. By gathering information from many hospitals worldwide, researchers want to find out how often pleural infection occurs, which types of germs are usually responsible, what kinds of patients get it, how it's being treated currently, and how patients recover afterwards. Ultimately, the study hopes to improve the way pleural infection is recognised, diagnosed, and treated everywhere, leading to better care and outcomes for patients.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to improve understanding of pleural infection globally.
- It will collect information from patient records, not involve new treatments.
- Data will be anonymised to protect your privacy.
- There are no direct risks to participating as it's observational.
- Findings could lead to better future diagnosis and treatment for pleural infection.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part if you are aged 18 or over and have recently had a procedure (like draining fluid) for a suspected pleural infection. This means doctors thought you had an infection in the fluid around your lungs, and samples of that fluid were taken for testing, all within the last four weeks.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your pleural infection is thought to be caused by a recent injury or surgery, or if you have tuberculosis (TB). Also, if you are known to have cancer in the lining of your lung, you wouldn't be included in this study.
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 18 years old or older?
- Did you have a procedure to drain fluid from around your lung for a suspected infection in the last 4 weeks?
- Were samples of that fluid sent for testing?
- Is your suspected infection NOT due to recent injury or surgery?
- Do you NOT have known lung cancer or tuberculosis (TB)?
What does participation involve?
This study doesn't involve any new treatments or extra appointments. Instead, doctors at participating hospitals around the world will collect information from your existing medical records if you meet the study criteria. They will do this during two specific four-week periods – one in winter and one in summer – to see if the infection varies with the seasons.
The information collected will include details like your age, gender, medical history, test results, the kind of treatment you received, and how you recovered over the following 12 weeks. This data will be made anonymous, meaning your name and identifying details will be removed to protect your privacy.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (12)
- North Bristol NHS TrustCity onlyBristol, England
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustCity onlyLeicester, England
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyCambridge, England
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyLondon, England
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCity onlySheffield, England
- Oxford University HospitalsUnverifiedOxford, England
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS TrustUnverifiedLondon, England
- London North West University Healthcare NHS TrustUnverifiedHarrow, England
- Warrington and Halton Hospitals Foundation Trust HqUnverifiedWarrington, England
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedNorth Shields, England
- Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS TrustUnverifiedWorcester, England
- Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedExeter, England
Common questions
What is pleural infection?
It's when infected fluid or pus builds up in the space between your lungs and your chest wall, often after an infection like pneumonia.
Will I get new treatment in this study?
No, this study only collects information from your medical records about the care you've already received. It won't change your current treatment.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes, all the information collected will be made anonymous, meaning your name and other identifying details will be removed to protect your privacy.
Who is running this study?
The study is being run from the University of Bristol in the UK, but it involves hospitals worldwide.
When is the study happening?
Data will be collected in specific periods between February 2026 and January 2027.
How to find out more
Steven Walker
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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