Saline vs. drugs: a simpler way to treat lung infections?

NCT ID NCT05903417

Completed Disease control Sponsor: National University of Malaysia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compared two treatments for pleural infection, a serious lung condition where infected fluid builds up. One group received standard fibrinolytic drugs (alteplase and DNase) to break down clots, while the other group received simple saline (salt water) irrigation to flush out the infection. The trial involved 40 adults with poor fluid drainage. The goal was to see if the simpler saline method is as safe and effective as the drug treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: alteplase and DNase (fibrinolytic drugs)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that simple saline irrigation is as effective as fibrinolytic drugs for treating pleural infection, offering a cheaper and safer alternative.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The study is also completed, so no new data is being collected.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

empyema pleural empyema

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PLEURAL INFECTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

National University of Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia

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