Enzymatic dissolution of post-operative haemothorax by purified streptokinase

Enzymatic dissolution of haemothorax is highly effective in the evacuation of proteinaceous material from the pleural space. Its use in postcardiotomy haemothorax has not been described. We report the case of a 4-year-old girl with Fallot's Tetralogy diagnosed at birth. She underwent a total correction of Fallot's Tetralogy at 4 years of age. Chest X-ray taken post-operatively showed a large pleural collection in her right haemithorax. Repeated intraplueral infusion of purified streptokinase into the right upper pleural chest tube greatly reduced the extent of the right haemothorax. Enzymatic dissolution of haemothorax by purified streptokinase has proven to be a rapid and successful method of therapy. It has provided an alternative which is less invasive and has a low morbidity.