[Management of malignant pleural effusion by tetracycline pleurodesis]

Eleven patients were treated with chest tube drainage and intrapleural instillation of tetracycline for malignant pleural effusion. In ten cases this procedure for 6-10 days achieved complete resolution of pleural fluid and produced pleurodesis. Only one patient needed longer treatment, but it was also successful. Fluid recurrence was not recognised during the follow-up period. This method is very effective and simple, so the authors recommend the tetracycline pleurodesis for the palliative management of malignant pleural effusions.