The study aims to recruit a total of 500 patients with empyema over 2 years and will assess whether SK decreases mortality or the need for surgery in this disease. Patients will be randomised to SK or placebo for 3 days, with subsequent management following trial drugs in the hands of the local clinician. This meeting has seen a steady increase in attendance and profile since its inception. It acts as a forum for research workers in all fields of respiratory medicine and related disciplines. There is also a large educational component in the form of symposia and lectures, including a clinical track that runs throughout the meeting.
Basic science is included in all sessions.
A programme of organised symposia and lectures is planned early each year. Suggestions from members are welcomed, and should be sent to the Chair of the Committee before the end of March. Members and non-members of the Society are invited to submit abstracts of original research for presentation at the meeting. In 1999 it has not been possible to submit abstracts electronically but the Society is hopeful that this will be possible in future years. Abstract forms must include confirmation by the first author that all authors have agreed the content and that the abstract has not been published elsewhere.