Intrapleural hemorrhage after administration of tPA: a case report and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
Intrapleural fibrinolytic enzymes have been used for over 60 years in the treatment of complicated pleural effusions to lyse loculations and promote resolution. Despite this extensive history of use, however, little is known about complications that may arise with the use of this therapy. Here we discuss a patient with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis who developed an intrapleural hemorrhage after the administration of intrapleural tPA to treat a complicated parapneumonic effusion. A review of the literature examines the efficacy and safety of this therapy, focusing on bleeding complications. Specific attention is paid to patients who have underlying coagulopathies or who are receiving anticoagulation.


METHODS
A review of the literature, as indexed in PubMed, was undertaken using the following search terms in combination: tPA, pleural effusion, complications of thrombolytics, and intrapleural hemorrhage. The search was inclusive of patients under the age of 18, but was limited by English language and human subjects.


METHODS
All relevant articles identified during the search were reviewed. Those studies that reported on bleeding complications, or lack thereof, were included in this review. Limitations of each article are noted in the text.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple studies, including a 2000 ACP consensus statement and a 2008 Cochrane review, indicate the need for further investigations to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrapleural thrombolytics for the treatment of complicated pleural effusions and empyemas. Limited studies specifically address bleeding complications, especially in subpopulations of patients receiving concurrent anticoagulant therapy.
Goralski
Jennifer L
JL
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. jennifer_goralski@med.unc.edu
Bromberg
Philip A
PA
Haithcock
Benjamin
B
D000328:Adult; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007322:Instillation, Drug; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D035422:Pleural Cavity; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000188:drug therapy; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator