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Pleurodesis for effusions in pediatric oncology patients at end of life

Fredric A Hoffer1, Michael L Hancock, Pamela S Hinds

  • 1Department of Radiological Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA. fred.hoffer@seattlechildrens.org

Pediatric Radiology
|January 5, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Pleurodesis can relieve breathing difficulties in pediatric cancer patients with terminal pleural effusions, improving their quality of life and enabling them to return home for end-of-life care.

Area of Science:

  • Palliative care
  • Pediatric oncology
  • Thoracic medicine

Background:

  • Pleurodesis is a palliative procedure used in adults for end-of-life care.
  • Limited data exists on its efficacy in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of pleurodesis in relieving intractable pleural effusions in pediatric oncology patients nearing end of life.

Main Methods:

  • Eleven pleurodesis procedures using doxycycline were performed on seven pediatric cancer patients (ages 3-21).
  • Patients had intractable pleural effusions at end of life.
  • Procedures included unilateral or bilateral pleurodesis.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements in respiratory rate and lung aeration were observed post-procedure.
  • Chest tubes were removed prior to discharge in most cases, with minimal pain reported.
  • 70% of patients were discharged home, with a median survival of 19 days post-discharge.

Conclusions:

  • Pleurodesis offers respiratory benefits for pediatric oncology patients with intractable pleural effusions.
  • This intervention can facilitate a return home for terminal care, improving quality of life.
Abstract

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