[Pleurodesis with tetracycline in neoplastic effusions. Is an acid pH necessary?].

Abstract

Forty-three patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusions were included in a prospective protocol of treatment with two different types of tetracycline. Twenty-one patients (series A) were treated with a saline dilution of oxytetracycline (pH = 8) and twenty-two (series B) with a saline dilution of tetracycline chlorhydrate (pH = 2). Among the patients of series A, the rate of no recurrence of the effusion was 85.7% (12 out of 14 correctly treated and followed-up patients). In the series B, the rate of no recurrence was 86.6% (13 out of 15). The authors conclude that the pH of the tetracycline is not a determinant of pleural symphysis. The mechanism of action of the intrapleural tetracycline is discussed.

• Authors: G Varela, P de Pablo, M J Ruiz
• Journal: Revista de medicina de la Universidad de Navarra (Rev Med Univ Navarra) 1988 Jul-Sep Vol. 32 Issue 3 Pg. 143-6 ISSN: 0556-6177 [Print] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Pleurodesis con tetraciclina en derrames neoplásicos. Es necesario un pH ácido?
• PMID: 3070685 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Tetracycline

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Breast Neoplasms (complications)
• Humans
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
• Lung Neoplasms (complications)
• Pleural Effusion (drug therapy, etiology)
• Prognosis
• Tetracycline (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)