Talc pleurodesis in the management of persistent pleural effusion in an infant

Abstract

Pleural effusion is excessive fluid that accumulates in the pleural cavity. It predominantly occurs by infectious agents. Other various causes include congestive heart diseases, malignancies, viral diseases, trauma, hypoalbuminemia, connective tissue diseases and chromosomal abnormalities. Treatment strategies should target the responsible cause. Herein, we present a 16-month old male infant with persistent pleural effusion occuring after uncomplicated Morgagni hernia surgery who had no response to antibiotics, parenteral nutritional support and octreotide therapy that was eventually treated by pediatric surgery with talc pleurodesis. No significant advers effect was observed after administration of talc as a sclerozing agent for pleurodesis. This procedure has been rarely reported at this age group. [Cukurova Med J 2016; 41(2.000): 390-392]

Keywords

• Morgagni hernia
• pleural effusion
• talc pleurodesis