Efficacy of hyperthermia pleurodesis: A comparative experimental study on serous membrane of abdominopelvic and thoracic cavities of rats.

BACKGROUND: Pleurodesis is a common technique for treating the accumulation of air or liquid in the pleural space caused by pneumothorax or pleural effusion, it is based on the bounding of pleural layers through induced inflammatory lesions. There are several pleurodesis procedures. OBJECTIVES: To test and describe the inflammatory effect of hyperthermia on the pleural and peritoneal mesothelia of rats, with the aim of testing the effectiveness of this process for inducing pleurodesis. METHODS: 35 Sprague-Dawley (male/female) rats were randomized into four treatment groups: Group A (Talc, 10 individuals); group B (control, 5 individuals); group C (hyperthermic isotonic saline, 10 individuals); and group D (filtrate air at 50°, 10 individuals). Inflammatory effect of hyperthermia was the primary outcome parameter. RESULTS: In the talc group, minimal adhesions between both pleural and peritoneal layers were observed in seven rats. Talc produced peritoneal mesothelium inflammation and fibrosis associated to foreign body giant cells in 80% (8/10) of the sample. Furthermore, clear evidence of a granulomatous foreign-body reaction was detected. No macroscopic and/or microscopic damage was registered in the remaining three groups (control, hyperthermic, and filtrate air). CONCLUSIONS: Talc is an excellent method for producing pleuro-peritoneal inflammatory lesions. On the contrary, hyperthermia apparently does not induce the macroscopic and microscopic damage that is required for efficient pleurodesis. Therefore, hyperthermia should not be used for pleurodesis procedures.

Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion caused by breast and ovarian cancer: A systematic literature review and pooled analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Breast and ovarian cancer account for over 30% of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). Treatment of the metastatic disease requires control of the MPE. Even though primarily symptomatic, the treatment of the MPE can potentially affect the oncological course of the disease. The aim of this review is to analyze the effectiveness of intrathoracic chemotherapy in the treatment of MPE caused by breast and ovarian cancer. METHODS: A systematic literature research was conducted up until May 2021. Studies published in English on patients undergoing either surgical or interventional intrapleural chemotherapy were included. RESULTS: Thirteen studies with a total of 497 patients were included. Analysis was performed on 169 patients with MPE due to breast cancer and eight patients with MPE secondary to ovarian cancer. The pooled success rates of intrathoracic chemotherapy for controlling the MPE were 59.1% and 87.5%, respectively. A survival analysis was not possible with the available data. The overall toxicity of the treatment was low. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathoracic chemotherapy achieves symptomatic control of the MPE in 59.1% of patients with metastatic breast cancer and 87.5% of patients with metastatic ovarian cancer. This is inferior to other forms of surgical pleurodesis. Data from small case series and studies on intraperitoneal chemotherapy show promising results. However, formal oncological studies on the use of intrathoracic chemotherapy for metastatic breast or ovarian cancer are lacking. Further prospective pilot studies are needed to assess the therapeutic oncological effects of this treatment.

Simultaneous Viscum pleurodesis and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) bullectomy in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Although surgery is the gold standard for treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), recurrence after surgery remains a concern. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous pleurodesis using Viscum album (VA) extract and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) bullectomy for the treatment of PSP. From March 2016 to June 2020, 175 patients with PSP underwent bullectomy and intraoperative pleurodesis with VA extract at a single institution. All operations were performed through thoracoscopy by one surgeon. Upon completion of bullectomy, a polyglycolic acid sheet was used to cover the stapler lines, and 40 mg of VA extract was instilled over the entire chest wall before chest tube placement. The median operating time was 20 min (interquartile ranges, 15-30) and the median indwelling time of chest drainage was 2 days (interquartile ranges, 2-3). There were no postoperative complications over grade 3. During the median follow-up period of 38 months (interquartile ranges, 15-48), no recurrence of pneumothorax was observed. The results of this study demonstrated that simultaneous Viscum pleurodesis and VATS bullectomy provides a feasible and effective treatment option for preventing postoperative pneumothorax in patients with PSP.

Autologous blood pleurodesis for the treatment of postoperative air leaks. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative air leaks are a common complication after lung surgery. They are associated with prolonged hospital stay, increased postoperative pain and treatment costs. The treatment of prolonged air leaks remains controversial. Several treatments have been proposed including different types of sealants, chemical pleurodesis, or early surgical intervention. The aim of this review was to analyze the impact of autologous blood pleurodesis in a systematic way. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted until July 2020. Studies with more than five adult patients undergoing lung resections were included. Studies in patients receiving blood pleurodesis for pneumothorax were excluded. The search strategy included proper combinations of the MeSH terms "air leak", "blood transfusion" and "lung surgery". RESULTS: Ten studies with a total of 198 patients were included in the analysis. The pooled success rate for sealing the air leak within 48 h of the blood pleurodesis was 83.7% (95% CI: 75.7; 90.3). The pooled incidence of the post-interventional empyema was 1.5%, with a pooled incidence of post-interventional fever of 8.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence supports the idea that autologous blood pleurodesis leads to a faster healing of postoperative air leaks than conservative treatment. The complication rate is very low. Formal recommendations on how to perform the procedure are not possible with the current evidence. A randomized controlled trial in the modern era is necessary to confirm the benefits.

Neumotórax espontáneo / Spontaneous pneumothorax

Introducción: El neumotórax espontáneo es la causa más frecuente de ingreso urgente en los servicios de cirugía torácica. Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de neumotórax espontáneo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de 93 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y radiológico de neumotórax espontáneo, se establecieron las variables del estudio y se utilizaron frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes. Para la asociación de las variables se empleó el estadígrafo ji cuadrado con un nivel de confiabilidad del 95 por ciento. Resultados: Predominó el neumotórax espontáneo primario (65,5 por ciento), el sexo masculino fue el más afectado (80,6 por ciento), con mayor frecuencia en el hemitórax derecho (72,2 por ciento) y el tabaquismo como antecedente (83,9 por ciento). La pleurostomía mínima fue el tratamiento definitivo en el 72 por ciento de los pacientes. La complicación más frecuente después de la pleurostomía, fue la fuga persistente de aire. El tratamiento quirúrgico con pleurodesis mecánica, ofreció un 100 por ciento de efectividad. La mortalidad quirúrgica fue nula. Conclusiones: El neumotórax espontáneo predomina en el sexo masculino en una proporción de 4,2:1, en pacientes menores de 40 años de edad. El antecedente patológico personal que más se asocia es la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. El síntoma predominante es el dolor torácico. El neumotórax espontáneo primario fue más frecuente y el hemitórax derecho el más afectado. El tabaquismo está presente como antecedente en ambos tipos de neumotórax espontáneo. La modalidad de tratamiento más utilizada es la pleurostomía mínima(AU)

Introduction: Spontaneous pneumothorax is the most frequent cause of urgent admission to thoracic surgery services. Objective: To characterize patients admitted with a diagnosis of spontaneous pneumothorax. Methods: A descriptive study of 93 patients with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of spontaneous pneumothorax was carried out, the study variables were established and absolute frequencies and percentages were used. For the association of the variables, the chi square statistic was used with a confidence level of 95 percent. Results: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax predominated (65.5 percent), the male sex was the most affected (80.6 percent), with greater frequency in the right hemithorax (72.2 percent) and smoking as the antecedent (83.9 percent). Minimal pleurostomy was the definitive treatment in 72 percent of the patients. The most frequent complication after pleurostomy was persistent air leak. Surgical treatment with mechanical pleurodesis offered 100 percent effectiveness. There was not surgical mortality. Conclusions: Spontaneous pneumothorax predominated in males in a ratio of 4.2: 1, in patients under 40 years of age. The most associated personal pathological history was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The predominant symptom was chest pain. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax was more frequent and the right hemithorax the most affected. Smoking was present as a history in both types of spontaneous pneumothorax. The most widely used treatment modality was minimal pleurostomy(AU)

A Prospective Study Investigating Blood Patch Pleurodesis for Postoperative Air Leaks After Pulmonary Resection.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged air leaks (PALs) after lung resection are one of the most common complications in thoracic surgery. Several options are available to treat PALs. The autologous blood patch pleurodesis is commonly used but has not been thoroughly investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective randomized study including all consecutive patients with PALs after pulmonary resections. Patients were randomized to either having received pleurodesis by injecting 100 mL autologous blood at d 5 and 6 (Group A) or being placed under observation (Group B). Patients from either group undergoing revisions were further investigated by a post hoc analysis and formed Group C. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were included: 10 patients were randomized to group A and 14 to group B. Six patients (3 from each group) underwent surgical revision and were included in Group C. Groups A and B did not differ in baseline characteristics. The median time to drainage removal was 9 d (range: 5-23 d) in Group A; 9 d (range: 2-20 d) in Group B; and 6 d in Group C (range: 3-10 d), (A/B versus C, P < 0.04; A versus B was not significant). CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence indicating a benefit for blood patch pleurodeses in patients undergoing lung resections and presenting with postoperative PALs for more than 5 d. An early operative closure of postoperative air leakage seems to be more effective.

Intra-pleural Instillation of Autologous Blood - Fine-tuning Techniques for Better Success Rate: Two Case Reports.

In the past, many case series have reported the effectiveness of autologous blood patch pleurodesis (ABPP) in recurrent secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP), particularly in those who were unfit for surgery. We describe two cases of persistent air leak in pneumoconiosis and pulmonary fibrosis with bronchiectasis, whereby the techniques employed had improved the success rate of ABPP. The determining factors that lead to the success of ABPP were determined by the volume of autologous blood instilled, Trendelenburg position post instillation, and early chest physiotherapy with mobilisation by application of pneumostat.

Thoracoscopic surgery under local anesthesia for high-risk intractable secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of thoracoscopic surgery for intractable secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) under local anesthesia in high-risk patients and report intraoperative findings useful for identifying air leakage points. METHODS: We analyzed outcomes of 14 consecutive thoracoscopic operations under local anesthesia for high-risk SSP from 2015 to 2019. Suspicious lesions were determined based on intraoperative direct or indirect detections. Direct detection involved identifying pleural fistulas or air bubbles. Indirect detection involved finding thin and transparent bullae without any other suspicious lesions. Identifications of culprit lesions were confirmed by arrest or significant decrease in air leakage after surgical repair. All surgical repairs were followed by immediate single pleurodesis for a definitive cure and prevention of recurrence. Success was defined as the removal of the thoracic tube by surgical repair combined with immediate postoperative single pleurodesis. RESULTS: The main underlying pulmonary diseases were emphysema (n = 7), carcinoma (n = 3), interstitial pneumonia (IP) (n = 3), and nontuberculous mycobacterial infection (n = 1). A leakage point was identified in 13 cases (six on direct and seven on indirect detections). Success was achieved in nine cases (four on direct and five on indirect detections). Adverse events included one case of acute exacerbation of IP and one case of carbon dioxide narcosis. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic surgery under local anesthesia can be the worthwhile definitive modality, among few remaining treatments, for highly fragile patients with SSP. Detecting air leakage directly and the presence of thin and transparent bullae without any other suspicious lesions can be clues for identifying culprit lesions.

Viscum pleurodesis is as effective as talc pleurodesis and tends to have less adverse effect.

PURPOSE: Many patients diagnosed with advanced cancer have malignant pleural effusion that does not respond to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These patients often have respiratory symptoms, especially dyspnea. In order to relieve these symptoms, various procedures including chemical pleurodesis have been performed. Although talc is the most widely used and effective sclerosing agent, there it has various adverse effects. The objective of this study was to determine whether Viscum (ABNOVA Viscum® Fraxini Injection, manufactured by ABNOVA GmbH, Germany) could be used as an agent to replace talc in clinical practice. METHODS: Data of 56 patients with malignant pleural effusion who received chemical pleurodesis after tube thoracostomy from January 2003 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed to analyze clinical course and response after pleurodesis with each agent. RESULTS: After pleurodesis, changes in numeric rating scale (NRS) was 1.4 ± 1.6 in the talc group and 0.5 ± 1.5 in the Viscum group (p = 0.108). Changes in white blood cell counts after pleurodesis were 4154.8 ± 6710.7 in the talc group and 3487.3 ± 6067.7 in the Viscum group (p = 0.702). Changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) were 9.03 ± 6.86 in the talc group and 6.3 ± 7.5 in the Viscum group (p = 0.366). The success rate of pleurodesis was 93.3% in the talc group and 96% in the Viscum group (p = 0.225). CONCLUSION: Viscum pleurodesis showed comparable treatment results with talc pleurodesis while its adverse effects such as chest pain and fever tended to be relatively weak.

Yellow nail syndrome resulting from cardiac mitral valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disease with unknown etiology, Attributed to functional anomalies or disturbance in lymphatic drainage. This condition is characterized by triad of nail discoloration, respiratory or intrathoracic manifestations and lymphedema. CASE PRESENTATION: Twenty days after mitral valve replacement for severe rheumatic mitral valve stenosis, 39 years old woman presented with face tenderness and hearing problems besides stuffy and clogged nose and underwent routin rhinosinusitis therapy. She came back to ears, nose and throat service with persistent rhinosinusitis as well as relapsing preoperative couphs and dyspnea besides lower extremities edema and toenails discoloration. After some modulations of treatment, she was introduced to pulmonary clinic on post -operative day = 30. Chest x ray showed a lot of left pleural effusion then she was returned to our service (cardiac surgery) on post- operative day = 33. The pigtail catheter was secured and we attained a significant amount of milky fluid which conformed with chylothorax. Finally Yellow nail syndrome was diagnosed with her on post-operative day = 35. Early conservative therapy such as bed rest, legs massage, low fat diet with medium chain triglycerides, diuretics, bronchodilator inhaler was not be able to satisfy us (chylous out put > 330 cc/d). Therefore the catheter replacement with chest tube was carried out followed by pleurodesis using Talc and doxycycline besides transition of oral intake to total parentral nutrition and vitamine E supplement, on post - operative day = 41. After that chylous leakage gradually subsided and patient was discharged to home on post- operative day = 47. At 4 weeks follow ups, chest x ray was clear without effusion and nails discoloration and legs lymphedema resolved. CONCLUSION: We reported the third post cardiac surgery Yellow nail syndrome which is an unclear entity with a set of associated signs and symptoms. Two prior reports involved with coronary artery bypass graft whereas we performed mitral valve replacement. In angiogram thoracic duct was not identified so that it seems post cardiac surgery Yellow nail the syndrome has iatrogenic origin due to the thoracic duct or its tributaries injury and requires meticulous assessment and management.

Early Autologous Blood-Patch Pleurodesis versus Conservative Management for Treatment of Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

BACKGROUND: Autologous blood-patch pleurodesis has been effectively utilized as a treatment option for the condition of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP). Moreover, it can be used with persistent air leak, with or without residual air space. However, there have been no robust reports for the optimal timing for autologous blood-patch pleurodesis. The aim of this study is to compare early autologous blood-patch pleurodesis with conservative management of SSP. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled study at the Menoufia University Hospital. A total of 47 patients with SSP were randomly allocated into two groups: group A (23 patients) received intrapleural instillation of 50 mL autologous blood 3 days after insertion of chest drain and group B (24 patients) managed conservatively. The duration required for air leak to seal, chest drainage duration, length of hospital stay, and the incidence of complications were compared and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The duration of air leak, duration to drain removal, and length of hospital stay were all significantly shorter in group A than in group B. CONCLUSION: Early intrapleural instillation of autologous blood is successful in sealing air leak in patients with SSP with persistent air leak, who are not fit or not willing to undergo surgery. It is superior to conservative treatment or late instillation of autologous blood, even if their lungs are not fully expanded.

Efficacy and safety of Viscum album extract (Helixor-M) to treat malignant pleural effusion in patients with lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Manifestations of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are alleviated by local therapies as well as by systemic treatment. After 2009, when commercial use of talc was discontinued in Korea, we have used Helixor-M, which is derived from the European mistletoe (Viscum album), as an alternative sclerosing agent for pleurodesis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Helixor-M for controlling MPE. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2015, we consecutively enrolled 52 patients with lung cancer, who underwent pleurodesis to treat MPE and were analyzed retrospectively. On day 1, 100 mg of Helixor-M was instilled via pleural catheter. If the procedure was not effective, it was repeated every other day up to five times, and the dose increased each time by 100 mg. The primary study outcome was reappearance of pleural effusion at 1 month after the last pleurodesis procedure. RESULTS: The median age of patient was 63 years, and 77% of the 52 patients were male. About 85% of pleural effusions were found to be malignant by cytogenetic analysis. Forty-two (81%) patients were evaluable for recurrence of MPE. The 1-month recurrence rate was 48% (20/42). Among the 20 patients who developed recurrent MPE, 6 required therapeutic thoracentesis. Thirteen (25%) patients experienced procedure-related pain requiring medication. Eight (15%) had fever > 38 °C. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a pleurodesis with Helixor-M was an effective and tolerable procedure for controlling MPE in lung cancer patients.

Does Sericin, as a Novel Pleurodesis Agent, Have Higher Effectiveness Compared to Talcum Powder, Doxycycline, and Silver Nitrate Pleurodesis?

INTRODUCTION: The usefulness of sericin as pleurodesis agent has previously been described. Present study aims to compare sericin pleurodesis regarding success, effectiveness, tolerability, and side-effects. METHODS: Adult, 12-week-old Wistar-albino rats (n=60), divided to five groups as sericin, talcum-powder, doxycycline, silver-nitrate and control. Agents were administrated through left thoracotomy, rats sacrificed twelve-days after. RESULTS: Highest ratio of collagen fibers was observed in sericin group, and the intensity was higher than talcum-powder group (p<0.05). Compared to silver nitrate, sericin group displayed better mesothelial reaction, and multi-layer mesothelium was also better (p<0.05). Foreign body reaction and emphysema were less frequent in sericin group (p<0.05). The presence of biological tissue in parenchyma was less prominent in sericin group (p<0.05). Foreign body reaction on thoracic wall was less common in sericin group (p<0.05). Presence of biological tissue glue in thoracic wall was less prominent in sericin group (p<0.05). Glomerular degeneration was lower in sericin group compared to the silver nitrate group (p<0.05), and tubular degeneration was less common in sericin group than talcum group (p<0.05). Pericarditis was less common in sericin group compared to the other groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: As an intrinsic, natural glue protein, sericin protects the lung parenchyma and tissues, and its glue-like characteristics enable pleurodesis. The success of sericin in pleurodesis was demonstrated in the present study based on investigations of the pleurae. Being cost-effective and better tolerated agent associated with a low potential of side effects, sericin is more effective, less expensive and provides more lung parenchyma protection.

Talco estéril versus yodopovidona en pleurodesis como tratamiento del derrame pleural maligno. Estudio prospectivo no aleatorizado / Sterile talc versus povidone-iodine in pleurodesis as a treatment for malignant pleural effusion. Non-randomized prospective study

Comparar el uso del talco estéril versus yodopovidona como agentes químicos en pleurodesis para el tratamiento del derrame pleural maligno.Materiales y Métodos: Estudio clínico, analítico, observacional, prospectivo, el cual incluyó 12 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico de derrame pleural maligno, a quienes se les practicó pleurodesis empleando talco estéril y yodopovidona.Resultados : Edad promedio fue de 46,25 ± 17,3 y la neoplasia primaria más común fue el cáncer de mama, representando el 50% de los casos estudiados. El grupo de pacientes tratados con yodopovidona tuvo 100% de efectividad en la fusión pleural posterior a la pleurodesis, y presentaron menos complicaciones durante el procedimiento y 24 horas posteriores al mismo con respecto al grupo tratado con talco estéril, el cual tuvo un 71,4% de efectividad y un 28,6% de falla al procedimiento; asimismo, estos últimos presentaron mayor porcentaje de complicaciones. Por otra parte, no se evidenció recidiva del derrame pleural en los 30 días de valoración posteriores al procedimiento. Estas diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas.Conclusiones : Ambos agentes esclerosantes fueron eficaces para lograr la fusión de las pleuras en pacientes con derrame pleural maligno, siendo el talco estéril el agente con mayor tendencia a producir complicaciones y fallo del procedimiento, en comparación a la yodopovidona(AU)

To compare the use of sterile talc versus povidone-iodine as chemical agents on pleurodesis for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion.Materials and Methods : A total of 12 patients with clinical and histopathologic diagnose of malignant pleural effusion were enrolled in a clinical, analytic, observational and prospective trial, to whom sterile talc and povidone-iodine pleurodesis was applied.Results : The mean age was 46,25 ± 17,3 and the most common primary neoplasm was breast cancer, which was present in 50% of the surveyed cases. The group of patients who received povidone-iodine had 100% of effectiveness on post-pleurodesis pleural fusion, and had fewer complications during the procedure and 24 hours afterwards vis-à-vis the group who received sterile talc powder, which had 74.4% of effectiveness and 28.6% of procedure failure; furthermore, the last mentioned had higher percentage of complications. Moreover, there was no evidence of recurrence of pleural effusion in the 30 days post-procedure assessment.Conclusions : Both sclerosant agents were efficient to accomplish pleural fusion in patients with malignant pleural effusion, with sterile talc being the agent with higher tendency to generate more complications and procedure failure compared to povidone-iodine(AU)

Chemical pleurodesis with autologous blood and freeze-dried concentrated human thrombin improved spontaneous pneumothorax and thoracic endometriosis: The first case involving a pregnant woman.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous pneumothorax combined with thoracic endometriosis is a rare condition during pregnancy. We present a case of chemical pleurodesis with autologous blood and freeze-dried concentrated human thrombin during pregnancy. CASE REPORT: This report presents a case of spontaneous pneumothorax combined with thoracic endometriosis that arose at 22 weeks' gestation in a 35-year-old female. The initial chest drainage was unsuccessful. At 25 weeks' gestation, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed and revealed endometriosis in the thoracic cavity. Since the leak persisted, chemical pleurodesis was performed with autologous blood and freeze-dried concentrated human thrombin at 28 weeks' gestation. The leak improved markedly and did not recur. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report about chemical pleurodesis with autologous blood and freeze-dried concentrated human thrombin during pregnancy. This procedure might contribute to the management of pneumothorax in pregnant women.

Pleurodesis Using Mistletoe Extract Delivered via a Spray Catheter during Semirigid Pleuroscopy for Managing Symptomatic Malignant Pleural Effusion.

BACKGROUND: Talc poudrage during thoracoscopy is considered the standard procedure for patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Until now, no alternative technique other than talc poudrage for pleurodesis during medical thoracoscopy has been proposed. Liquid sclerosants, such as mistletoe extract, have been sprayed evenly into the pleural cavity during semirigid pleuroscopy for chemical pleurodesis. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a retrospective study using the database of semirigid pleuroscopy to identify the usefulness of pleurodesis using a mistletoe extract delivered via a spray catheter during semirigid pleuroscopy for symptomatic MPE. METHODS: All consecutive patients with symptomatic MPE who underwent semirigid pleuroscopy from October 2015 to September 2016 were registered. The responses were evaluated using chest X- ray or computed tomography 4 weeks after pleurodesis. RESULTS: The study included 43 patients who underwent pleurodesis with mistletoe extract via a spray catheter during semirigid pleuroscopy. Complete and partial responses were seen in 21 (49%) and 19 (44%) patients, respectively. The median duration of chest tube placement after pleurod-esis was 7 days (range 6-8 days) in the 40 patients with complete or partial responses. No cases of severe hemorrhage, empyema formation, respiratory failure, or procedure-related mortality were observed in the subjects at 4 weeks after semirigid pleuroscopy. CONCLUSION: Pleurodesis with mistletoe extract delivered via a spray catheter during semirigid pleuroscopy is a safe and effective procedure for managing symptomatic MPE.

[Autologous blood pleurodesis for treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax and persistent air leak in pediatric patients]. / Pleurodesis con sangre autóloga en el tratamiento del neumotórax en pacientes pediátricos.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) and persistent air leak (PAL) are a therapeutic challenge in some patients. Autologous blood pleurodesis (ABP) is an alternative treatment, but its usefulness in pediatric patients has not been determined yet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of pediatric patients treated with ABP at our institution between 2010 and 2014, with special assessment of its indications, description of the technique, volume of blood used, complications and outcomes. RESULTS: During this period, 29 patients were treated for SP. 5 of them (17.2%) received ABP. Indications were: 2 patients with recurrent SP after thoracoscopic bullae resection and pleurodesis and 3 patients with PAL (1 after thoracoscopic bullae resection and 2 in lung transplantation candidates who were not suitable for surgery). Median age was 14.3 years (11.9-16.6) and volume of blood used was 50 ml (26-60). The air leak stopped in a median of 2.6 days (1-7). One patient needed a second ABP for PAL and another one presented an ipsilateral recurrence of SP after ABP. Follow up time was 2.21 years (0.49-3.42). No complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: ABP is a cheap, safe and easy to perform procedure and may be considered as a therapeutic option in some pediatric patients with SP or PAL.

OBJETTIVOS: Los neumotórax recurrentes y la fuga aérea persistente (FAP) plantean dificultades terapéuticas en determinados pacientes. La pleurodesis con sangre autóloga (PSA) constituye una alternativa en su tratamiento, aunque su utilidad en pacientes pediátricos no ha sido determinada. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes pediátricos tratados con PSA en nuestro centro entre los años 2010 y 2014, centrado en las indicaciones, descripción de la técnica de administración, cantidad de sangre empleada, complicaciones y resultados. RESULTADOS: Durante este periodo, 29 pacientes presentaron neumotórax espontáneos. En 5 de ellos (17,2%) se realizó PSA como método de rescate. Las indicaciones fueron: 2 recidivas de neumotórax tras resección de bullas y pleurodesis y 3 casos de fuga aérea persistente (1 tras resección toracoscópica de bullas subpleurales y en 2 candidatos a trasplante pulmonar con bullas en los que se descartó la cirugía). La mediana de edad fue de 14,3 años (11,9-16,6) y la cantidad de sangre empleada 50 ml (26-60). La fuga aérea se resolvió en una media de 2,6 días (1-7). Un paciente requirió una nueva PSA por persistencia de fuga aérea tras la primera administración y otro presentó una recurrencia posterior del neumotórax. El tiempo de seguimiento fue de 2.21 años (0,49-3,42). No se describieron otras complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: La PSA es un método de fácil aplicación, seguro y económico que puede ser considerado como opción terapéutica de rescate en determinados pacientes pediátricos con neumotórax o fuga aérea persistente.

Protocol of the Australasian Malignant Pleural Effusion-2 (AMPLE-2) trial: a multicentre randomised study of aggressive versus symptom-guided drainage via indwelling pleural catheters.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) can complicate most cancers, causing dyspnoea and impairing quality of life (QoL). Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are a novel management approach allowing ambulatory fluid drainage and are increasingly used as an alternative to pleurodesis. IPC drainage approaches vary greatly between centres. Some advocate aggressive (usually daily) removal of fluid to provide best symptom control and chance of spontaneous pleurodesis. Daily drainages however demand considerably more resources and may increase risks of complications. Others believe that MPE care is palliative and drainage should be performed only when patients become symptomatic (often weekly to monthly). Identifying the best drainage approach will optimise patient care and healthcare resource utilisation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A multicentre, open-label randomised trial. Patients with MPE will be randomised 1:1 to daily or symptom-guided drainage regimes after IPC insertion. Patient allocation to groups will be stratified for the cancer type (mesothelioma vs others), performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status 0-1 vs ≥2), presence of trapped lung (vs not) and prior pleurodesis (vs not). The primary outcome is the mean daily dyspnoea score, measured by a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) over the first 60 days. Secondary outcomes include benefits on physical activity levels, rate of spontaneous pleurodesis, complications, hospital admission days, healthcare costs and QoL measures. Enrolment of 86 participants will detect a mean difference of VAS score of 14 mm between the treatment arms (5% significance, 90% power) assuming a common between-group SD of 18.9 mm and a 10% lost to follow-up rate. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Sir Charles Gairdner Group Human Research Ethics Committee has approved the study (number 2015-043). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12615000963527; Pre-results.

Intrabronchial Infusion of Autologous Blood Plus Thrombin for Intractable Pneumothorax After Bronchial Occlusion Using Silicon Spigots: A Case Series of 9 Patients With Emphysema.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial occlusion therapy using silicon spigots is effective for intractable pneumothorax. However, sometimes the pneumothorax is refractory to bronchial occlusion because of collateral ventilation. For such difficult pneumothoraces, we attempted an intrabronchial infusion of autologous blood plus thrombin to control collateral ventilation and stop air leaks. METHODS: We performed bronchial occlusions using silicon spigots in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to emphysema and refractory to chest drainage, but which was inoperable owing to each patient's poor surgical candidacy and poor overall health condition. When bronchial occlusion proved ineffective, we undertook intrabronchial infusion of autologous blood plus thrombin, 2 to 4 days after bronchial occlusion. A catheter was inserted into the subpleural area, through a gap between the silicon spigot and the bronchial wall, using a flexible bronchoscope under fluoroscopic guidance. Autologous blood, followed by a thrombin solution, was infused using the catheter. We repeated the same infusion a total of 4 to 6 times while changing the target bronchi. All interventions were performed under local anesthesia. RESULTS: The subjects were 9 men, aged from 61 to 88 years, with smoking histories. Three patients also had interstitial pneumonia, and 6 patients had undergone pleurodesis in vain before bronchial occlusion. For 4of the 9 patients, autologous blood plus thrombin infusions successfully stopped air leaks, and in 3 patients, intrabronchial infusions and pleurodesis halted leaks altogether. CONCLUSION: Intrabronchial infusion of autologous blood plus thrombin was effective for intractable pneumothoraces that could not be clinically managed, even by bronchial occlusion using silicon spigots.

The effects of aqueous extract of babassu (Orbignya phalerata) on the pleura and lung parenchyma in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate macro and microscopically, changes following the use of the aqueous extract of babassu (Orbignya phalerata) in the lung parenchyma and pleura of rats. METHODS: Sixty adult male rats with average weight of 350 g, were randomized into two groups of 30 animals (experimental and control) further divided into sub-groups of 10 to be sacrificed at 48 h, 72 h and 21 days. The substance was injected into the right pleura of the animals. RESULTS: There was intense pleuropulmonary macroscopic reaction with statistically significant differences between groups respectively (p<0.05, p<0.02, p<0.03). Microscopically, no statistically significant difference was evident (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of babassu (Orbignya phalerata) was found to be highly irritating to the pleura and lung of rats, evidenced macroscopically by numerous adhesions and inflammation while no major changes were evident microscopically.