title: Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy for complicated pleural effusions.
abstract: Intrapleural administration of fibrinolytic agents can be used to degrade the fibrin present in complicated pleural effusions, thus decreasing viscosity of the fluid and enhancing evacuation of the pleural space via chest tube drainage. Patients who may otherwise need surgical intervention could benefit from this treatment. As more knowledge is gained through clinical experience and research studies, patients' outcomes may show major improvement.
authors.affiliation: University Medical Center, Tucson, Ariz., USA.
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Monroe
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Warner
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010960:Plasminogen Activators / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010994:Pleura; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D010960:Plasminogen Activators; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator