INTRAPLEURAL USE OF STREPTOKINASE

Abstract

BACKGROUND Intrapleural application of streptokinase (SK) is an old and somewhat forgotten method oftreatment of complicated pleural effusions. In a selected group of cases, SK can successfullyreplace more aggressive surgical procedures. METHODS A retrospective analysis of all intrapleural SK applications at our department between2004 and 2007 was performed. RESULTS 14 patients met the study inclusion criteria: 7 parapneumonic effusions, 5 residual hemothoracesand 2 loculated malignant effusions.Significant increase of the drained volume with notable radiological and clinical improvementfollowed the applications of 500,000 IU of SK in all patients and 9 patients (64 %)were spared the painful thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS Our data supports the evidence on high efficiency of the intrapleural fibrinolysis with SK ina selected population of complicated pleural effusions