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Research Articles |
Chronic or recurrent pleural effusions are a consequence of a variety of disease states and may produce significant pain or discomfort in a patient. Both surgical and pharmacological attempts to control pleural effusions have been tried, with moderate success. This article reviews the pathophysiology of pleural effusion and the role of intrapleural tetracycline in its management. Irritating chemicals, when instilled into the pleural space, are known to produce adhesion of the pleural membranes. Tetracycline has been shown in both animal and human studies to be effective in preventing the recurrence of a pleural effusion while producing only minor side effects, such as fever and pleuritic pain. Studies involving tetracycline in treating pleural effusions are reviewed, and guidelines for the preparation and administration of intrapleural tetracycline are presented. Because of its efficacy, low toxicity, ease of preparation, ready availability, and low cost, tetracycline deserves strong consideration as a first-line agent in the management of recurrent pleural effusions.
This article has been cited by other articles:
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  L. Saffran, D. E. Ost, A. M. Fein, and M. J. Schiff Outpatient Pleurodesis of Malignant Pleural Effusions Using a Small-Bore Pigtail Catheter Chest, August 1, 2000; 118(2): 417 - 421. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 P. Rousseau Malignant pleural effusions: A brief synopsis American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, November 1, 1997; 14(6): 302 - 304. [PDF]
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