[The value of erythromycin pleurodesis in the treatment of malignant pleural effusions].
Malignant pleural effusion is a frequent complication of patients with advanced malignant tumors. For many patients suffering from malignant pleural effusion that increases rapidly and may be life threatening, it is important to control the effusions. To investigate the value of erythromycin as a pleural sclerosant, a dose of 1 g erythromycin in 30 ml of 5% glucose was injected into the pleural cavity of 26 patients with malignant pleural effusion. The results were assessed by Miller's standards. After treatment, numerous adhesions were present in 15 cases; Pleural effusion reduced in 7 patients, and no effect was noted in 4 patients. The total response rate was 84.6%, and there were no severe side-effects. The erythromycin-induced pleurodesis is probably the result of induced chemical inflammation in the locality. This study suggests that erythromycin is a useful pleural sclerosant.
Tang
X
X
Department of Internal Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu.
Cheng
D
D
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D018700:Pleurodesis
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004917:Erythromycin