Spontaneous pneumothorax in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: complications, treatment and recurrences.
Data from 303 patients with 389 admissions for spontaneous pneumothorax from 1970 to 1980 at Ullevaal Hospital, Oslo, Norway, were reviewed. Spontaneous pneumothorax carried a significantly higher complication and mortality rate in patients suffering chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Their higher median age compared to non-COPD patients contributed to this, but did not account for the increased mortality. The risk of developing wound infection and/or pneumonia was significantly higher after 7 days of chest tube treatment in both patient groups, independent of age. There was no association between recurrence rate and COPD/non-COPD, age or duration of chest tube treatment (1-7 days, 8 days or more). Complications were not more frequent after thoracotomies performed in COPD patients. Therefore operative treatment for both primary and COPD-related spontaneous pneumothorax should be considered if tube treatment is not successful after 1 week and there are no contraindications.
Department of Surgery, Ullevaal Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway.
V
V
Videm
J
J
Pillgram-Larsen
O
O
Ellingsen
G
G
Andersen
E
E
Ovrum
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D012008:Recurrence; D013908:Thoracotomy