Saline vs. drugs: a simpler way to treat lung infections?
NCT ID NCT05903417
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.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PLEURAL INFECTION are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
National University of Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia