Povidone-iodine pleurodesis versus talc pleurodesis in preventing recurrence of malignant pleural effusion.

Background: Malignant pleural effusions continue to be a common problem in patients with metastatic disease, leading to a significant reduction in quality of life with progressive dyspnea, dry cough, chest pain and reduced physical activity. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy, safety, and outcome of Talc Powder Pleurodesis (TPP) with Povidone-iodine Pleurodesis (PIP) through a chest drain as a palliative preventive treatment of recurrent malignant pleural effusion.

Methods: A total of 39 neoplastic patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusion were enrolled in a prospective randomized trial.