Respiratory failure following talc pleurodesis.
BACKGROUND
Sterile talc is currently the agent of choice for pleurodesis. Its success rate is excellent, and talc is generally well tolerated. However, a recent experience with fulminant pneumonitis following talc pleurodesis prompted a review of our experience.


METHODS
A retrospective review of patients undergoing talc pleurodesis at our institution between December 1993 and December 1997 was performed, documenting respiratory and other complications. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test and Pearson correlations.


RESULTS
Seventy-eight patients received 89 talc pleurodesis procedures. Respiratory complications or death occurred in 33%; 9% of patients developed adult respiratory distress syndrome. There was no statistical difference in outcomes between patient groups, methods of application, or talc dosages utilized.


CONCLUSIONS
This series revealed a significantly higher rate of serious complications than that reported in the current literature, without implicating a clear reason for these outcomes. Our data raise questions about the safety of talc pleurodesis.
Rehse
D H
DH
Department of Surgery, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Aye
R W
RW
Florence
M G
MG
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000628:therapy; D018700:Pleurodesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000628:therapy; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013627:Talc / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D013627:Talc