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Autologous blood patch for persistent air leak in children

Joseph B Lillegard1, Raelene D Kennedy, Michael B Ishitani

  • 1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|October 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Autologous blood patch (ABP) is a safe and effective treatment for persistent air leak (PAL) in children. This novel approach offers an inexpensive, simple method to seal air leaks, avoiding toxic chemicals.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Thoracic Surgery
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Persistent air leak (PAL) is a significant complication in pediatric patients, associated with increased morbidity.
  • Current treatments like chemical or mechanical pleurodesis have unknown long-term effects in children.
  • Autologous blood patch (ABP) presents a novel therapeutic alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous blood patch (ABP) for treating persistent air leak (PAL) in pediatric patients.
  • To assess the outcomes and complications associated with ABP in children.
  • To determine the feasibility of ABP as a treatment for PAL in the pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Eight children aged 2 months to 18 years with PAL were treated using ABP.
  • A fresh whole blood sample was obtained from each patient and injected via their existing chest tube.
  • Data on blood volume injected, air leak cessation time, chest tube removal, outcomes, and complications were retrospectively reviewed.

Main Results:

  • Successful air leak cessation was achieved in all eight pediatric patients treated with ABP.
  • Three patients experienced immediate air leak seal, two sealed within 1-2 days, and three required a second ABP for immediate seal.
  • Chest tubes were removed within 2-3 days in seven patients; one developed a transient asymptomatic pneumothorax.

Conclusions:

  • Autologous blood patch (ABP) is a safe and effective treatment for persistent air leak (PAL) in children.
  • ABP is an inexpensive and easily performed procedure, avoiding the use of toxic chemicals for pleurodesis.
  • This technique offers a promising alternative for managing PAL in pediatric patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
ABPAutologous blood patchPALPediatricPersistent air leakautologous blood patchpersistent air leak

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