Intrapleural fibrinolytic agents in the treatment of pleural effusions: three pediatric case reports

Intrapleural instillation of fibrinolytic agents has been proposed for the treatment of loculated pleural effusions, or whenever the biochemical chara cteristics of the pleural fluid (pH, glucose level, LDH) indicate the risk of a complicated outcome due to a pleural effusion with complications and t he possible development of empyema. At present, there is no consensus regar ding the use of intrapleural fibrinolytic agents in children. Case reports. - In this study the successful treatment by fibrinolytic agen ts and standard drainage are successfully performed in three children with a pleural effusion due to an infection. Conclusion. - The clinical utility in terms of the reduction of the duratio n of hospitalization and additional surgical treatment, should be assessed in prospective studies. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevi er SAS.