Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Pleural Fluid Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Exacerbate Disease Severity and Risk of One-year Mortality in Pleural Infection (TORPIDS-3)

This international study, called TORPIDS-3, investigates lung infections, which can be very serious and lead to significant health problems or even death. The researchers are particularly interested in tiny particles found in the fluid around the lungs, called neutrophil extracellular traps. We know that people with lung infections produce different amounts of these particles. This study will observe patients to understand the role these particles play in making lung infections more severe and how they might affect a person's risk of dying within a year. It's an observational study, meaning researchers will collect information without giving any new treatments.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

326

Start

09 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2025

Pleural Infection

What is this study about?

You might be familiar with the term 'pleural infection,' which is a serious infection around your lungs. It can make you very unwell and, unfortunately, can sometimes be life-threatening. When you have a lung infection, your body's immune system sends out special cells called neutrophils to fight it off. These neutrophils sometimes release tiny web-like structures, which scientists call 'neutrophil extracellular traps' (NETs).

This study, TORPIDS-3, is focused on understanding these NETs. Researchers have noticed that people with lung infections have different amounts of these NETs in the fluid around their lungs. The main goal of this international study is to observe patients and see if the amount of these NETs affects how severe their lung infection becomes and their chances of recovering fully, particularly looking at their health over the next year.

By carefully observing many patients from different places, the researchers hope to learn more about how pleural infections work and how NETs might contribute to the disease. This knowledge could help doctors better understand the infection and potentially lead to new ways to treat it in the future, improving outcomes for people who get this serious condition.

Key takeaways

This study is about a serious lung infection.
It's looking at tiny particles called NETs in lung fluid.
Researchers want to see how these NETs affect disease severity and recovery.
It's an international 'observe and learn' study, not a treatment trial.
No new treatments or extra procedures are involved.
The goal is to improve future understanding and care for lung infections.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to be 18 years old or older. The doctors would need to confirm that you have a lung infection.

This could be confirmed if the fluid around your lungs is cloudy like pus, or if tests show bacteria in it, or if it has a low pH (a measure of acidity) or low sugar level alongside other signs of infection. It might also be confirmed if a special scan (CT scan) shows signs of infection around your lungs, and doctors are sure it's not another type of infection.

You wouldn't be able to join if you are under 18, or if there's no fluid available from your lungs for testing. Also, if you've already had a lung removed on the side of the infection, or if doctors think you have less than three months to live due to other health problems, you wouldn't be eligible.

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?
Do you have a confirmed lung infection?
Is there fluid available from around your lungs for testing?
Have you not had a lung removed on the side of the infection?
Do your doctors expect you to live longer than three months despite other health conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is an observational study, which means you wouldn't receive any new treatments or medicines from the study team. Instead, the researchers would collect information and samples that are already being taken as part of your usual medical care for your lung infection. This might include samples of the fluid around your lungs and blood tests. They would also record information about your condition and how you respond to your standard treatment. There are no additional visits or follow-up appointments specifically for this study beyond what your doctors already plan for your care. The total duration of your participation would involve the collection of information during your hospital stay and then tracking your health outcomes for up to one year, using information from your medical records.

Potential risks and benefits

Because this is an observational study, there are no additional physical risks beyond those already associated with your ongoing medical care for a lung infection. You won't be given any new treatments or procedures for the study. The potential benefit is that the information gathered from your case, combined with many others, will help researchers better understand lung infections, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for patients in the future. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'pleural infection'?

It's a serious infection in the space between your lung and the inside of your chest wall.

What are 'neutrophil extracellular traps' (NETs)?

These are tiny, web-like structures released by certain immune cells (neutrophils) that help fight infection.

Will I get new medicine as part of this study?

No, this is an observational study, so you will continue to receive your usual medical care and treatments.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Information will be collected during your hospital stay, and your health will be tracked for up to a year using your existing medical records.

What happens if I change my mind about participating?

You can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.