Background: Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are frequently used for the management of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs), but drainage can be impaired by pleural loculations. We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) versus combination tPA-deoxyribonuclease (DNase) in the treatment of loculated MPE.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with confirmed or presumed MPEs requiring IPC insertion. We compared the efficacy of intrapleural tPA, tPA-DNase, and procedural intervention on pleural fluid drainage. Secondary endpoints included the need for future pleural procedures (eg, thoracentesis, IPC reinsertion, chest tube insertion, or surgical intervention), IPC removal due to spontaneous pleurodesis, and IPC-related complications.

Results: Among 437 patients with MPEs, loculations developed in 81 (19%) patients. Twenty-four (30%) received intrapleural tPA, 46 (57%) received intrapleural tPA-DNase, 4 (5%) underwent a procedural intervention, and 7 (9%) received ongoing medical management. tPA improved pleural drainage in 83% of patients, and tPA-DNase improved pleural drainage in 80% of patients. tPA alone may be associated with increased rates of spontaneous pleurodesis compared with tPA-DNase. There was no difference in complications when comparing tPA, combination tPA-DNase, procedural intervention, and no therapy.

Conclusion: Both intrapleural tPA and combination tPA-DNase appear to be safe and effective in improving pleural fluid drainage in selected patients with loculated MPE, although further studies are needed.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10312901PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/LBR.0000000000000871DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

intrapleural tpa
12
procedural intervention
12
pleural
9
tissue plasminogen
8
plasminogen activator
8
malignant pleural
8
pleural effusions
8
retrospective review
8
tpa-dnase procedural
8
pleural fluid
8

Similar Publications

Background: Empyema, characterized by the accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity, poses significant treatment challenges. While intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) therapy is effective for many patients, a substantial proportion require surgical intervention, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), following treatment failure. Identifying tPA/DNase treatment failure-associated predictors is crucial for optimizing patient management and improving outcomes.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Hemothorax is a serious complication following thoracic surgery, often resulting from vessel injury or rib fractures, and is typically managed with chest tube drainage. Persistent or loculated hemothorax, referred to as retained hemothorax, may require more invasive interventions, such as thoracotomy. Although the intrapleural administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) has shown promise in managing pleural infections, its use for hemothorax remains controversial due to bleeding risks.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This case report explores the intricate challenges of diagnosing and managing empyema caused by , particularly in patients with predisposing factors such as alcohol abuse and underlying respiratory conditions. We present a 34-year-old male patient with a medical history of hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, and alcohol abuse who developed empyema. Despite an initial presentation at another facility with symptoms mimicking a myocardial infarction and unremarkable chest X-ray results, his condition worsened, leading to a subsequent emergency department visit.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Machine Learning Model Predictors of Intrapleural tPA and DNase Failure in Pleural Infection: A Multicenter Study.

Ann Am Thorac Soc

October 2024

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, , Nashville, Tennessee, United States.

Rationale: Intrapleural enzyme therapy (IET) with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) has been shown to reduce the need for surgical intervention for complicated parapneumonic effusion/empyema (CPPE/empyema). Failure of IET may lead to delayed care, and increased length of stay.

Objective: The goal of this study was to identify risk factors for failure of IET.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Rheumatoid arthritis is a multisystemic inflammatory disease that can involve the respiratory system, including the pleural space. Most rheumatoid pleural effusions (PE) are incidentally found and do not require any treatment. Very rarely, however, they can become symptomatic and loculated, leading to lung entrapment or trapped lung.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!