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Pleurodesis with iodized talc for malignant effusions using pigtail catheters
R L Thompson1, J C Yau, R F Donnelly
1Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Ottawa Civic Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|July 29, 1998
Summary
Iodized talc slurry is a safe, cost-effective, and successful treatment for malignant pleural effusions, with an 81% success rate in controlling fluid buildup.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Medical Procedures
Background:
- Malignant pleural effusions are a common complication in cancer patients.
- Effective management of malignant pleural effusions is crucial for patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of iodized talc slurry for pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusions.
- To assess the safety and cost-effectiveness of this treatment modality.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study at a tertiary-care teaching hospital.
- 15 medical oncology patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusions underwent iodized talc pleurodesis via a pigtail catheter.
- Patients were followed until death, with effusion control as the primary outcome.
Main Results:
- The probability of effusion control was 81% (SEM 9.7%).
- The most common adverse effect was pleuritic chest pain (60%).
- The cost of preparing 5g of iodized talc was $4.32 (US).
Conclusions:
- Iodized talc slurry via a small-bore pigtail catheter is a safe and effective treatment for malignant pleural effusion.
- This method offers an economical approach to managing malignant pleural effusions.