Adverse events after pleurodesis in patients with malignant pleural effusion

Ricardo Mingarini Terra1, Priscila Berenice da Costa1, Alberto Jorge Monteiro Dela Vega2

  • 1Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Abstract

Insights

Pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion causes a significant inflammatory response and adverse events, particularly low hemoglobin and pain. Iodine may be associated with less severe inflammatory marker changes compared to other agents.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pulmonology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) indicates advanced metastatic cancer.
  • Pleurodesis is a treatment for recurrent MPE.
  • Post-pleurodesis inflammatory response can cause adverse events in critically ill patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the systemic inflammatory response and adverse events following pleurodesis.
  • To compare inflammatory markers and adverse events based on pleurodesis agents.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 114 patients undergoing pleurodesis (2009-2013).
  • Collection and comparison of clinical and laboratory data pre-pleurodesis and on days 2, 5, and 10 post-procedure.
  • Evaluation of adverse events and their severity.

Main Results:

  • Silver nitrate (46%), iodine (52%), and talc (2%) were used. Breast cancer was the most common primary site.
  • The most frequent adverse events were low hemoglobin (37%) and pain (31%).
  • 68% of patients experienced adverse events, with 28% having grade 3 or higher. C-reactive protein (CRP) peaked on day 5, with less severe changes observed with iodine.

Conclusions:

  • Pleurodesis induces a notable systemic inflammatory response, evidenced by serum markers.
  • Adverse events are common following pleurodesis, with a significant proportion being severe (grade 3+).
  • Iodine may be associated with a milder inflammatory response compared to silver nitrate and talc.

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