This research study aims to evaluate whether corticosteroids help prevent the recurrence of pleural effusions in patients with non-specific pleuritis diagnosed through pleural biopsy. It can lead to recurrent fluid buildup in the lungs, causing discomfort and requiring additional medical interventions. There is no established treatment to prevent recurrence, and this study seeks to determine whether steroids reduce fluid buildup or cause complications. There will be two groups: one receiving corticosteroids (standard of care in the institution) and one not receiving corticosteroids (intervention group). The participation will last approximately 6 months, with in-person visits every 2 weeks for the first month, then monthly, along with possible telephone follow-ups. The study will monitor for pleural effusion recurrence, need for additional procedures, and potential side effects of corticosteroids. This is a pilot study. Although there are forty people expected to take part in this research study based on institutional data, the number of patients included in the study will be determined by the number of patients with non-specific pleuritis diagnosed during the study period.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
Patients take 40 mg of prednisone daily for 4 weeks to help reduce inflammation.
Patients do not take corticosteroid.
Mount Sinai Hospital
New York, New York, United States
RECRUITINGMount Sinai Morningside
New York, New York, United States
RECRUITINGNumber of patients screened
Screened defined as how many patients are evaluated for participation
Time frame: every 2 weeks after pleuroscopy for the first 4 weeks, and then monthly up to 6 months
Number of patients enrolled
Enrolled defined as how many screened patients actually join the study
Time frame: every 2 weeks after pleuroscopy for the first 4 weeks, and then monthly up to 6 months
Number of patients retained
Retention defined as how many enrolled patients continue participating over time
Time frame: every 2 weeks after pleuroscopy for the first 4 weeks, and then monthly up to 6 months
Rate of recurrence
Incidence of recurrent pleural effusions attributable to symptoms requiring an intervention
Time frame: every 2 weeks after pleuroscopy for the first 4 weeks, and then monthly up to 6 months
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