Respiratory mechanics and pleural remodelling in pleurodesis induced by barium sulphate

The aim of this study was to determine whether an intrapleural injection of barium sulphate would produce pleurodesis in rats. Additionally, respiratory mechanics and pleural remodelling were analysed. Single intrapleural injection of barium sulphate (100%) or saline was given to Wistar rats. Respiratory system, lung, and chest wall elastic, resistive and viscoelastic/inhomogeneous pressures were measured by the end-inflation occlusion method at 2 and 30 days after injection. The pleura were examined for gross and histopathological evidence of pleural inflammation and fibrosis, and the underlying lungs were also studied by morphometry. All pulmonary mechanical parameters increased at day 2, but were not different from control at 30 days after injection. Chest wall mechanical parameters did not change. Macroscopic evaluation demonstrated pleural adherence without haemothorax. Histopathologic analysis showed pleural inflammation and fibrosis. There was no alveolar inflammation or fibrosis in both groups. In conclusion, barium sulphate induced pleurodesis with either no changes in respiratory mechanics or lung lesion at day 30.     

Success rate of medical thoracoscopy and talc pleurodesis in malignant pleurisy: A single‐centre experience

Background and objective

Malignant pleurisy is associated with advanced oncological disease and dyspnoea is the most common presenting symptom. Pleurodesis is the preferred palliative and supportive treatment option, targeting symptom relief. The identification of clinical and endoscopic features that determine the success of talc pleurodesis in malignant pleurisy could guide clinical decision‐making.

Methods

All symptomatic patients with malignant pleurisy subjected to talc pleurodesis through medical thoracoscopy between January 2012 and December 2015 were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with successful pleurodesis.

Results

Of the 155 patients, 122 (78%) were classified as having a successful pleurodesis based on clinical and radiological criteria. Factors associated with unsuccessful pleurodesis (univariate analysis) were the presence of pleural adhesions (odds ratio (OR): 0.43 (95% CI: 0.19–0.96); P = 0.04), extensive spread of pleural lesions (OR: 0.17 (95% CI: 0.05–0.59); P = 0.001), the use of systemic corticosteroids (OR: 0.28 (95% CI: 0.10–0.83); P = 0.02) and a prolonged time period between the clinical diagnosis of the pleural effusion and the moment of pleurodesis (OR: 0.14 (95% CI: 0.06–0.32); P < 0.0001). The latter being associated with failure of pleurodesis in a multivariate analysis (OR: 0.08 (95% CI: 0.01–0.25); P < 0.0001). Chest ultrasound prior to pleurodesis showed a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 88% in predicting the success of pleurodesis.

Conclusion

The success rate of pleurodesis in malignant pleurisy could potentially be enhanced by correct patient selection and early referral for pleurodesis. Ultrasonic assessment of pleural adhesions and potential lung expansion prior to pleurodesis is useful in clinical decision‐making.

     

Rapidly recurring massive pleural effusion as the initial presentation of sarcoidosis: A case report

Rationale:Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease with unknown etiology. It affects mainly the lungs, but it can affect almost any other organ. Nevertheless, pleural involvement with the development of pleural effusion is relatively rare. It is usually mild and responsive to treatment with systemic steroids. Here we present a case of rapidly recurring massive unilateral pleural effusion caused by sarcoidosis that was resistant to systemic steroids.Patient concerns:A 55-year-old lady presented with shortness of breath of 2-months duration. No other respiratory symptoms were reported. On physical examination, there were signs of left-sided pleural effusion, splenomegaly, and inguinal lymph nodes. These findings were confirmed by chest x-ray showing massive pleural effusion. Work up of the effusion revealed an exudative effusion with lymphocyte predominance. Pan-computed tomography scan revealed multiple thoracic, abdominal and inguinal lymphadenopathy; additionally, a left-sided pleural effusion and an enlarged spleen; that contained variable hypodense nodular lesions. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed intense uptake in the spleen and the lymph nodes. Inguinal lymph node biopsy showed non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Due to suspicion of malignancy, left medical thoracoscopy was done, and biopsy of the parietal pleura showed nonspecific inflammation without evidence of malignancy or tuberculosis.Diagnosis:Sarcoidosis was diagnosed based on the finding of the non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with no evidence of malignancy or infection on several microbiological and pathological samples.Interventions:The patient was treated with repeated pleural fluid drainage. Steroids failed to prevent pleural effusion recurrence. Surgical left side pleurodesis was eventually performed.Outcomes:At more than 1 year follow up, the patient showed no recurrence of pleural effusion or development of any other symptoms.Lessons:Sarcoidosis may rarely present with massive pleural effusion, as this presentation is rare; it is imperative to rule out other causes of massive pleural effusion. Massive pleural effusion in sarcoidosis may be steroid-resistant. Pleurodesis may have a role in such a scenario.     

Monoclonal antibodies anti-TGFβ1 and anti-VEGF inhibit the experimental pleurodesis induced by silver nitrate

Background. The mechanisms underlying pleural inflammation and pleurodesis are poorly understood. We hypothesized that the cytokines transforming growth factor β (TGFβ1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play a major role in pleurodesis after intrapleural silver nitrate (SN) injection. Method. Forty rabbits received intrapleurally 0.5% SN alone or 0.5% SN + anti-TGFβ1, anti-IL-8, or anti-VEGF. After 28 days, the animals were euthanized and macroscopic pleural adhesions, microscopic pleural fibrosis, and collagen deposition were analyzed for characterization of the degree of pleurodesis (scores 0–4). Results. Scores of pleural adhesions, pleural fibrosis, total collagen, and thin collagen fibers deposition after 28 days were significantly lower for 0.5% SN + anti-TGFβ1 and 0.5% SN + anti-VEGF. Significant correlations were found between macroscopic adhesion and microscopic pleural fibrosis with total collagen and thin collagen fibers. Conclusions. We conclude that both TGFβ1 and VEGF, but not IL-8, mediate the pleural inflammatory response and pleurodesis induced by SN.     

Interventional therapies for malignant pleural effusions: The present and the future

The approach to management of malignant pleural effusions (MPE) has changed over the past few decades. The key goals of MPE management are to relieve patient symptoms using the least invasive means and in the most cost‐effective manner. There is now a realization that patient‐reported outcome measures should be the primary goal of MPE treatment, and this now is the focus in most clinical trials. Efforts to minimize patient morbidity are complemented by development of less invasive treatments that have mostly replaced the more aggressive surgical approaches of the past. Therapeutic thoracentesis is simple, effective and generally safe, although its benefits may only be temporary. Pleurodesis is the conventional and for a long time the only definitive therapy available. However, the efficacy and safety of talc pleurodesis has been challenged. Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) drainage is increasingly accepted worldwide and represents a new concept to improve symptoms without necessarily generating pleural symphysis. Recent studies support the effectiveness of IPC treatment and provide reassurance regarding its safety. An unprecedented number of clinical trials are now underway to improve various aspects of MPE care. However, choosing an optimal intervention for MPE in an individual patient remains a challenge due to our limited understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of breathlessness in MPE and a lack of predictors of survival and pleurodesis outcome. This review provides an overview of common pleural interventional procedures used for MPE management, controversies and limitations of current practice, and areas of research most needed to improve practice in future.     

Thoracoscopic Talc Pleurodesis for the Treatment of Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Background: During the Belgian Surgical Week in May 2004 some controversy existed on the optimal treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. Doubts raised about the safety of talc in performing pleurodesis because of reported complications.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of thoracoscopic pleurodesis with talc was performed. Patients operated for spontaneous pneumothorax were analysed focusing on complications and freedom of recurrence. A literature search was performed on complications from the use of talc to treat pleural disease. Results: From September 1999 till August 2004 forty-one patients had a thoracoscopic pleurodesis with talc. In 21 patients this was performed for recurrent malignant pleural effusion and in 20 for spontaneous pneumothorax. In 5 of these 20 patients we faced a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. In seven patients an apical pulmonary wedge resection of bullae was performed. No intra-operative or serious postoperative complications were seen in these patients. All drains were removed after 4 to 6 days. No episodes of respiratory insufficiency occurred. No recurrence was encountered during a mean follow-up of 22.7 months.

Conclusion: Thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis for spontaneous pneumothorax was effective and safe in our experience. In the literature no convincing evidence against the use of talc to treat pleural disease was found. Although some cases of ARDS are attributed to the pleural administration of talc, the incidence of complications after talc poudrage appears to be low.     

安尔碘法胸膜固定治疗原发性自发性气胸的效果

背景：有学者认为对于易复发的原发性自发性气胸应积极行胸腔镜手术治疗,并且术中行胸膜固定能有效降低术后复发率。 目的：探讨安尔碘法胸腔镜治疗原发性自发性气胸的可靠性及有效性。 方法：纳入原发性自发性气胸患者64例,其中男46例,女18例,年龄15-30岁,随机均分为试验组与对照组,两组均进行胸腔镜手术治疗,其中试验组关闭切口前应用干纱布蘸取安尔碘涂抹整个胸腔,对照组未应用安尔碘。比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血、术后引流量、术后漏气时间,术后拔管时间、术后并发症发病率及术后1年气胸的复发率。 结果与结论：两组手术时间、术中出血、术后漏气时间、术后拔除胸管时间及术后并发症的发生率比较差异均无显著性意义（P ＞0.05）;试验组术后引流量较对照组明显增加（P ＜0.05）,但未造成需医学干预的后果;试验组术后1年复发率低于对照组（P＜0.05）。结果表明胸腔镜手术过程中利用安尔碘涂擦壁层胸膜行胸膜固定,是一种预防原发性自发性气胸术后气胸复发的可靠且有效的治疗方式。     

Iodopovidone is as effective as doxycycline in producing pleurodesis in rabbits

Background and objective: The mechanism by which iodopovidone achieves pleurodesis is unknown. This study investigated whether iodopovidone is as effective as doxycycline in producing pleurodesis and whether systemic corticosteroids diminish its efficacy. Methods: Four groups of seven New Zealand rabbits were assigned to the following intrapleural treatment groups: 2 mL of 2% iodopovidone, 2 mL of 4% iodopovidone, 2 mL of 4% iodopovidone plus 0.8 mg/kg triamcinolone intramuscularly weekly and 10 mL/kg doxycycline in 2 mL. Pleural fluid was collected 24, 48 and 72 h after intrapleural injections and analysed for WCC, protein and LDH levels. The rabbits were killed 2 weeks after the injections. Pleurodesis was graded macroscopically on a scale from 1 to 8. The degree of microscopic pleural fibrosis and pleural inflammation was graded from the HE stain slides. Results: The mean volume of pleural fluid as well as the mean total WCC was significantly lower in the steroid‐treated group than in the other groups. The degree of the resulting pleurodesis was similar in the 2% iodopovidone (7.00 ± 1.29), 4% iodopovidone (7.71 ± 0.76) and doxycycline (7.14 ± 0.90) groups (P > 0.05) whereas the pleurodesis score of the steroid group (3.71 ± 1.98) was significantly lower than all other groups (P < 0.05). The degree of microscopic pleural fibrosis and pleural inflammation was significantly lower in the steroid group than in the 2% iodopovidone or 4% iodopovidone group. Conclusions: Both 2% and 4% iodopovidone can induce pleurodesis as efficaciously as doxycycline in rabbits. Systemic corticosteroids significantly decrease the efficacy of iodopovidone in producing pleurodesis.