Thoracoscopic pleurodesis with minocycline vs talc in the porcine model.
BACKGROUND
Eighteen adult pigs (Sus scrofa) underwent thoracoscopy and were placed into one of three groups: no sclerosant, talc pleurodesis, or minocycline pleurodesis.


METHODS
Animals were then sacrificed at matched time intervals. Gross inspection of the pleural cavity estimated percentage of pleural symphysis (>25% was considered substantial) and allowed assignment of a pleurodesis score based on a scale described by Bresticker. Microscopic examination evaluated degree of fibrosis as mild, moderate, or severe.


RESULTS
The talc group had significantly better pleurodesis than the minocycline group as determined by (1) the proportion of animals with substantial surface pleural symphysis (5/6 vs 1/6, p < 0.01), (2) a higher pleurodesis score (3 vs 1.3, p < 0.05), and (3) the proportion of animals with moderate fibrosis (5/6 vs 0/6, p < 0. 01).


CONCLUSIONS
The authors conclude that instillation of aerosolized talc produces significantly better fibrosis and pleural symphysis than atomized minocycline in this animal model.
Whitlow
C B
CB
Department of Surgery, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, 5005 N. Piedras Street, El Paso, TX 79920-5001, USA.
Craig
R
R
Brady
K
K
Hetz
S P
SP
D000818:Animals; D005355:Fibrosis; D008911:Minocycline / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology; D018700:Pleurodesis / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine; D013627:Talc / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D000267:Tissue Adhesions
D013627:Talc; D008911:Minocycline