Clinical Research Directory

Comparison of Talc Slurry Versus Talc Insufflation: A Study on Effectiveness, Safety, and Hospital Outcomes in Pleurodesis

Pleural effusion is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which typically contains about 10-20 mL of pleural fluid that is crucial for the movement of the lungs against the chest wall. This fluid closely resembles plasma but has a lower protein concentration, usually less than 1.5 gm/dL. It primarily originates from pleural capillaries and the interstitial spaces of the lung, and is reabsorbed through the lymphatic vessels in the parietal pleura, either via small openings known as stomas or through a process called transcytosis (1, 2). When the balance between fluid production and reabsorption is disrupted-often due to various pathogenic mechanisms-it can lead to pleural effusion. In such cases, effective management is essential. This study aims to conduct a thorough comparison of the two talc administration methods-TS and TI-using sterilized, large-particle, asbestos-free talc powder. By examining key outcome measures such as pleurodesis success rates, procedural morbidity, and length of hospital stay, the goal is to provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance to facilitate informed decision-making in the management of pleural effusions.

Impact of Patient Position on Chemical Pleurodesis by Chest Ultrasound

chemical pleurodesis using doxycycline is an acceptable and commonly employed palliation for malignant pleural effusion. Rotation of patient during pleurodesis using the powder from doxycycline capsule is still practiced in some centers. The benefit of rotation practice in pleurodesis can be verified after properly designed study on the outcome of pleurodesis with rotation and non-rotation by chest ultrasound assessment

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Pleurodesis

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended in a multimodal pain management to reduce pain intensity and to spare opioid use. However, there is a controversy in its use in pleurodesis surgery as it could block the process of pleurodesis in surgical pneumothorax. In addition, NSAIDs could increase the risk of pneumothorax recurrence. The investigators hypothesized that NSAIDs are safe during pleurodesis with a better pain management without increasing the risk of pneumothorax reccurence.