Impact of Respiratory Physiotherapy in the Management of Infectious Pleural Effusion

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Chest physiotherapy (CP) facilitates the absorption of fluid in the pleural cavity and reduces the formation of fibrous adhesions in patients with pleural infection, allowing a faster clinical, functional and radiological improve. The aim of the study is to determine if the CP associated with conventional medical treatment (CT) improves functional sequelae secondary to pleural infectious.

Detailed Description
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This is a multicenter, prospective and randomized trial. Objective: To determine if the Chest physiotherapy (CP) associated with conventional medical treatment (CT) improves functional sequelae secondary to pleural infectious disease, defined as an increased of 15% in Vital Functional Capacity (VFC). Adult patients with diagnosis of pleural infection will be included and randomized into two branches: control group - only CT and interventional one - CT plus CP.

Official Title
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Impact of Respiratory Physiotherapy in the Management of Infectious Pleural Effusion

Conditions
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Pleural Diseases, Infection

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Chest physiotherapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of infectious pleural effusion Failure to meet any exclusion criteria. Exclusion Criteria: Hemothorax. Malignant pleural effusion. Severe comorbidities (end-stage disease, neuromuscular diseases, etc) Previous ribcage and/or diaphragmatic pathology. Pregnancy. Previous respiratory rehabilitation program completed. Prior pleural pathology

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Chest Physiotherapy group<br>Conventional medical treatment plus Chest Physiotherapy | Other: Chest physiotherapy<br>* Depending on the location of the pleural effusion different techniques are performed: 1. Postural control techniques; 2. Secretions drainage techniques; 3. Thoracic expansion techniques; 4. Diaphragmatic mobility techniques.<br>|
| No Intervention: Control grup<br>Conventional medical treatment | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in improving lung function | To determine if Respiratory Physiotherapy (RP) associated with conventional medical treatment (CT) improves functional sequelae secondary to infectious pleural effusion. All patients will performed spirometric studies at the beginning of the study, at 3 and 6 month. | 3 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in resolution of pleural effusion | To analysed if CP allows faster resolution of pleural effusion. A simple thoracic Rx will be performed to assess radiological changes every month till resolution of pleural sequelae. | 3 months | 
| Reduce hospital stay | To assess if CP added to medical therapy in patients with infectious pleural effusion decreased hospital stay | 3 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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pleural disease, infecTion, chest physiotherapy