Fibrin glue pleurodesis for pneumothorax in extremely preterm infants: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Abstract Background Chest tube drainage and mechanical ventilation are effective treatment of symptomatic pneumothorax (PTX), but the best management of persistent (> 7 days) PTX is unknown. Case presentation We reported a case of successful fibrin glue pleurodesis of persistent PTX in an extremely preterm infant without adverse effects. We discussed previous literature on this treatment. Conclusions Overall, the twelve reported cases suggest that persistent PTX sealing with fibrin glue can represent a simple, quick, and effective treatment whose possible reported adverse effects are transient and do not cause permanent sequelae. Thus, fibrin glue pleurodesis might be considered a suitable therapeutic tool in very preterm infant with persistent PTX.

Keywords

• Pneumothorax
• Fibrin glue
• Preterm infant