There is no author summary for this article yet. Authors can add summaries to their articles on ScienceOpen to make them more accessible to a non-specialist audience.
Abstract
The use of fibrinolytic agents such as urokinase and streptokinase has been reported
in cases of empyema in adults. In pediatric patients the experience is, however, very
limited.
A series of seven consecutive children who had loculated pleural effusion that did
not respond to drainage and antibiotics is reported.
In all cases, the effusion was found to be multiloculated. Urokinase (UK) instillation
through the already existing chest tube was started. A dose of 100,000 U of UK diluted
in 100 mL of normal saline was instilled through the chest tube, which was clamped
for 12 hours and then was left open for another 12 hours. In six of seven children,
the treatment was terminated after complete or almost complete resolution was attained.
This was achieved within 5 treatment days (mean, 3.3). There was one failure which
was attributed to relatively late initiation of treatment. No complications were observed.
The authors conclude that intrapleural administration of UK is a safe and efficient
method of treatment in cases of loculated pleural effusions in children. UK instillation
to the intrapleural space should be considered early before initiating surgical intervention.
Starting intrapleural UK treatment should not be delayed.