[The study of intrapleural urokinase in the prevention of pleural thickening and loculated effusions by tuberculous pleurisy].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of intrapleural urokinase in the prevention of pleural thickening and loculated pleural effusions by tuberculous pleural effusion.

METHOD: Eighty-one patients with tuberculous pleural effusion were randomized into 2 groups, intrapleural urokinase group (group I) and conventional group (group C). The patients in group I were injected with urokinase 100 000 IU intrapleurally after each thoracocentesis on twice a week basis, other therapies were similar to group C.

RESULTS

The mean volume of fluid drained in group I was (3 981 +/- 573) ml, while it was (3 045 +/- 498) ml in group C (P < 0.01). The mean thickness of pleura in group I was (1.10 +/- 0.20) mm, but it was (1.40 +/- 0.30) mm in group C (P < 0.01), the incidence of pleural adhesion and location in group I was 10%, while it was 36% in group C (P < 0.01). The mean number of injection was (4.6 +/- 1.4) (ranged 3 approximately 8). The resolution time of pleural effusion was prolonged slightly, but there was no significant difference between two groups.

CONCLUSION

Intrapleural urokinase can evidently increase the volume of pleural effusion drained and prevent pleural thickening and adhesion.