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Journal of the Formosan Medical... May 2024Biomaterial implants are emerging as a treatment choice for pleurodesis; however, the optimal biomaterial and form for managing spontaneous pneumothorax, particularly...
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Biomaterial implants are emerging as a treatment choice for pleurodesis; however, the optimal biomaterial and form for managing spontaneous pneumothorax, particularly post-video-assisted thoracic surgery, remain under investigation. This study evaluated the mechanical and biological properties of the poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) membrane as a sclerosing agent for pleurodesis in Landrace pigs.
METHODS
Twenty-four Landrace pigs were split into two groups for mechanical abrasion and PCL membrane pleurodesis, with the latter group's PCL meshes inserted using video-assisted thoracic surgery. The mechanical and biological properties of the PCL membrane were assessed in pigs at three, six, and 12 months after the procedure. This assessment involved a range of techniques, such as the T-Peel test, macroscopic evaluation with a scoring scale, microscopic examination, and biomechanical and molecular weight analysis.
RESULTS
The PCL membrane group outperformed the traditional abrasion group, with stronger adhesions seen over longer implantation durations. This group also showed superior and more consistent results in both macroscopic and microscopic evaluations compared to the control group. The membrane-based method was easier and faster to perform than the control group's method, and importantly, no mortality occurred following membrane implantation.
CONCLUSION
This study is the pioneering effort to present long-term findings regarding the mechanical and biological properties of the PCL membrane in an in vivo animal model. The membrane demonstrated better adhesion ability than that of traditional abrasion and showed reassuring biocompatibility in both the pig model, suggesting its potential as treatment for patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Further clinical studies are needed to support these observations.
Topics: Animals; Swine; Pleurodesis; Polyesters; Biocompatible Materials; Pneumothorax; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Membranes, Artificial; Materials Testing; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38383169
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.01.016 -
Cureus Jan 2024Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder primarily affecting males. It is characterized by progressive muscle tissue degeneration. Patients with DMD are at...
Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder primarily affecting males. It is characterized by progressive muscle tissue degeneration. Patients with DMD are at an increased risk of respiratory infections, including coronavirus disease 20019 (COVID-19), due to weakened respiratory muscles. We present a case of a young male with DMD who experienced recurrent pneumothorax 10 months after recovering from a COVID-19 infection. The patient required prompt medical intervention, including a chest tube, multiple surgeries, and mechanical pleurodesis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing recurring pneumothorax as a potential complication of COVID-19, particularly in patients with underlying neuromuscular disorders, as it is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to prevent respiratory compromise.
PubMed: 38371092
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52408 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Feb 2024Several studies have indicated that intrapleural infusion of bevacizumab is an effective treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with malignant pleural effusion...
BACKGROUND
Several studies have indicated that intrapleural infusion of bevacizumab is an effective treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). However, the impact of bevacizumab administered through an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) on the prognosis of these patients is unknown.
METHODS
Consecutive advanced NSCLC patients with symptomatic MPE receiving an IPC alone or bevacizumab through an IPC were identified in a tertiary hospital. The patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were collected.
RESULTS
A total of 149 patients were included, and the median age was 60.3 years. Males and nonsmokers accounted for 48.3% and 65.8%, respectively. A total of 69.8% (104/149) of patients harbored actionable mutations, including 92 EGFR-activating mutations, 11 ALK fusions, and 1 ROS1 fusion. A total of 81.9% (122/149) of patients received IPC alone, and 18.1% (27/149) received bevacizumab through an IPC. The incidence of spontaneous pleurodesis during the first 6 months was greater in the bevacizumab-treated group than in the IPC-treated group in the subgroup with actionable mutations (64.3% vs. 46.9%, P = 0.28). The median overall survival (OS) in patients with actionable mutations treated with bevacizumab through an IPC was 42.2 months, which was significantly longer than the 26.7 months in patients who received an IPC alone (P = 0.045). However, the median OS did not differ between the two arms in the subgroup without actionable mutations (10.8 vs. 41.0 months, P = 0.24). No significant difference between the bevacizumab through an IPC group and the IPC group was detected in the number of participants who had adverse events, either in patients with actionable mutations (14.3% vs. 8.4%; P = 0.42) or in patients without actionable mutations (16.7% vs. 12.8%; P = 1.00).
CONCLUSIONS
Bevacizumab through an IPC resulted in a significantly improved prognosis for NSCLC patients with MPE and actionable mutations. However, patients without actionable mutations do not benefit from bevacizumab through IPC.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Bevacizumab; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Lung Neoplasms; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Catheters, Indwelling
PubMed: 38365707
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-02886-1 -
Transplant International : Official... 2024Restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS) is an aggressive variant of CLAD characterized by progressive restrictive ventilatory decline and persistent pleuro-parenchymal...
Late-Onset Exudative Pleural Effusions Without Concomitant Airway Obstruction or Lung Parenchymal Abnormalities: A Novel Presentation of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction.
Restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS) is an aggressive variant of CLAD characterized by progressive restrictive ventilatory decline and persistent pleuro-parenchymal changes that can be seen on chest CT. We identified four lung transplant recipients with a progressive restrictive ventilatory defect due to lymphocyte-predominant exudative pleural effusions, but no pleuro-parenchymal abnormalities typical of RAS. Using molecular analysis, we also found increased levels of previously described immune markers of RAS, including NFkB, 20S proteasome, lipocalin, TNFα, and TGFβ, within the circulating small extracellular vesicles of the remaining living lung transplant recipient. Despite the absence of lung parenchymal changes, these patients had a poor prognosis with rapid deterioration in allograft function and no response to pleural-based interventions such as thoracentesis, decortication, and pleurodesis. We hypothesize that these cases represent a distinct CLAD phenotype characterized by progressive restriction due to pleural inflammation, lymphocyte-predominant pleural effusion, resultant compressive atelectasis, and eventual respiratory failure in the absence of lung parenchymal involvement.
Topics: Humans; Lung; Lung Transplantation; Pleural Effusion; Airway Obstruction; Respiratory Insufficiency; Allografts; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38357217
DOI: 10.3389/ti.2024.12395 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2024Biomaterial-based implants are gaining traction as an option for pleurodesis treatment, yet the search for the best biomaterial or the most suitable shape to handle...
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Biomaterial-based implants are gaining traction as an option for pleurodesis treatment, yet the search for the best biomaterial or the most suitable shape to handle spontaneous pneumothorax continues. This forward-looking research assessed the use of a poly--caprolactone membrane for its safety when applied as a sclerosant in pleurodesis procedures in human patients.
METHODS
From July 2017 to February 2018, we conducted a Phase I trial in which 10 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax were treated using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with a poly--caprolactone membrane. These procedures encompassed bleb resection and mechanical pleurodesis through parietal pleura scrubbing. After resection, a 150 × 150 mm poly--caprolactone membrane was applied to the apex. The primary outcome measures were the adverse events and laboratory outcomes.
RESULTS
After surgery, we observed no cardiopulmonary-related adverse events or indications of systemic inflammation. Furthermore, no episodes of hypothermia or hyperthermia occurred. Chest radiographs showed no evident pneumonitis or effusion associated with tissue reactions. The average follow-up duration was 31.7 ± 17.7 months, during which two patients exhibited recurrence.
CONCLUSION
This study is the first to show the biocompatibility of poly--caprolactone in humans, suggesting its potential as a treatment option for patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Despite the relatively small number of patients, we maintain confidence in the reliability and safety profile of the PCL membrane, bolstered by its previously established efficacy in applications involving other organs. Phase II and phase III clinical studies are needed to support these observations.
PubMed: 38313410
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1335144 -
Respiratory Medicine Case Reports 2024An air leak is a pathologic communication between an area of the endobronchial tree and the pleural space, causing continued air flow. The communication can originate...
An air leak is a pathologic communication between an area of the endobronchial tree and the pleural space, causing continued air flow. The communication can originate from a distal portion of the airway, causing an alveolar-pleural fistula, or from a more proximal airway, causing a bronchopleural fistula. When the air leak persists beyond 5-7 days, it is classified as persistent air leak (PAL). PAL has serious implications on patient management and outcomes, such as prolonged chest tube maintenance, high rate of infections, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, and prolonged hospital stay with higher morbidity and mortality. There are currently no guidelines for the management of PAL in COVID-19 patients. We presented a case of PAL in a patient with COVID-19-associated pneumothorax successfully treated with a one-way endobronchial valve. We also reviewed current published cases of PAL secondary to COVID-19-associated pneumothorax and the various methods they were treated. The first line treatment was insertion of one or more chest tubes, but the persistence of an air leak then led to other treatment modalities. Initial early surgical evaluation followed by pleurodesis is recommended for the management of PAL. The most common surgical approaches include VATS or open thoracotomy with mechanical or chemical pleurodesis or pleurectomy. However, surgery is not always a feasible option for critically ill patients. In such cases, there are multiple less invasive options for the management of PAL, including implantable devices, such as Watanabe spigots and stents, and chemical agents, such as thermal treatments, hemostatic substances, and tissue adhesives.
PubMed: 38283185
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2024.101987 -
Cureus Dec 2023Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax is a serious complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The incidence of any spontaneous pneumothorax in patients with the...
Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax is a serious complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The incidence of any spontaneous pneumothorax in patients with the aforementioned viral infection when hospitalized is about 1%. Treatment can involve management such as oxygen support, tube thoracostomy, pleurodesis, or even invasive surgery. The associated mortality with this complication is about 33% to 52%. We present a case of bilateral pneumothorax in a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 without any history of smoking or underlying lung disease. Careful vigilance and close monitoring of this serious complication are mandatory in inpatients.
PubMed: 38269241
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51081 -
Journal of Thoracic Disease Dec 2023The management of prolonged air leakage (PAL) is a significant clinical challenge, particularly for patients who are unfit for surgical treatment. The use of endoscopic...
BACKGROUND
The management of prolonged air leakage (PAL) is a significant clinical challenge, particularly for patients who are unfit for surgical treatment. The use of endoscopic interventions with occlusive devices has been reported previously; however, local availability and cost may represent potential hurdles, especially in developing countries. In this study, we presented a conical endobronchial plug of our design and evaluated the efficacy of making use of that in the treatment of PAL as a novel method.
METHODS
This retrospective study included a total of 23 patients with PAL who were not suitable for surgery and underwent bronchial occlusion using customized plugs. The responsible bronchi were identified by the balloon occlusion test or by end-tidal carbon dioxide detection. In each case, the plug was grasped at the knot of the tip with forceps and then inserted into the target bronchus with a flexible bronchoscope.
RESULTS
Of the 23 patients with intractable pneumothorax, 1 to 3 plugs (median =1) were successfully inserted into the affected bronchi of each patient for bronchial occlusion. Air leakage showed complete cessation in 13 patients (56.5%) and reduction in seven patients (30.4%). A total of 20 patients (87.0%) experienced successful removal of the drainage tube following plug occlusion or presented with additional pleurodesis. Complications included expectoration of the plug (n=1) and fever (n=1); no other severe complications were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Bronchial occlusion using customized endobronchial plugs appears to be an effective and simple option for the management of PAL in patients who are not suitable for surgery, especially in developing countries, as the customized plug is a cost-effective alternative.
PubMed: 38249896
DOI: 10.21037/jtd-23-1053 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jan 2024The management for pneumothorax patients involves surgical intervention, nevertheless postoperative recurrences are often encountered. To reduce the rates of recurrence,...
OBJECTIVES
The management for pneumothorax patients involves surgical intervention, nevertheless postoperative recurrences are often encountered. To reduce the rates of recurrence, thoracic surgeons have experimented with various novel techniques, such as pleural abrasion, chemical pleurodesis, and staple line coverage with absorbable sheets, in addition to bullectomy. And in recent years, there have been reports of the effectiveness of the use of intraoperative glucose intrapleural spray (GIS) containing 50 ml of 50% glucose solution in addition to bullectomy. However, information on the effects and adverse events of GIS is limited. Current study was aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of GIS in preventing recurrence of pneumothorax.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study with 74 cases of bullectomy with or without GIS between 2018 and 2021 at Okazaki City Hospital. Of these cases, 50 received GIS (GIS group) while 24 were treated conservatively (C group).
RESULT
The GIS group consisted of 46 males and 4 females, whereas the C group consisted of 23 males and 1 female, with mean ages of 38.5 ± 5.7 years and 30.5 ± 6.7 years, respectively. The GIS group exhibited a mean increase in blood glucose of 23.8 mg/dL postoperatively, and postoperative infections were observed in 2 cases in the GIS group (4.0%) and 2 cases in the C group (8.3%). The NRS scores of the patients in the GIS group and the C group three hours postoperatively were 4.0 and 3.1, respectively (p = 0.28). No prolongation of postoperative drainage period by GIS was observed (1.2 days and 1.4 days in the GIS and C groups, respectively). Postoperative recurrence occurred in two patients from the C group. The postoperative total drainage volumes were 341.8 ± 25.2 ml and 74.2 ± 25.5 ml in the GIS and C groups, respectively, showing a significant increase in drainage volume (p < 0.01). None of them presented dehydration-related symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of intraoperative glucose intrapleural spray is effective and safe in terms of preventing recurrences and postoperative complications.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Adult; Pneumothorax; Glucose; Retrospective Studies; Pleurodesis; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Postoperative Complications; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38245799
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02486-4 -
Respiratory Research Jan 2024Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of thoracic and extrathoracic malignancies and is associated with high mortality and elevated costs to... (Review)
Review
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of thoracic and extrathoracic malignancies and is associated with high mortality and elevated costs to healthcare systems. Over the last decades the understanding of pathophysiology mechanisms, diagnostic techniques and optimal treatment intervention in MPE have been greatly advanced by recent high-quality research, leading to an ever less invasive diagnostic approach and more personalized management. Despite a number of management options, including talc pleurodesis, indwelling pleural catheters and combinations of the two, treatment for MPE remains symptom directed and centered around drainage strategy. In the next future, because of a better understanding of underlying tumor biology together with more sensitive molecular diagnostic techniques, it is likely that combined diagnostic and therapeutic procedures allowing near total outpatient management of MPE will become popular. This article provides a review of the current advances, new discoveries and future directions in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of MPE.
Topics: Humans; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Pleurodesis; Talc; Catheters, Indwelling; Drainage
PubMed: 38243259
DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02684-7