[Intrapleural fibrinolytic treatment and infectious pleuresies: three pediatric cases].

UNLABELLED: Intrapleural instillation of fibrinolytic agents has been proposed for the treatment of loculated pleural effusions, or whenever the biochemical characteristics of the pleural fluid (pH, glucose level, LDH) indicate the risk of a complicated outcome due to a pleural effusion with complications and the possible development of empyema. At present, there is no consensus regarding the use of intrapleural fibrinolytic agents in children.

CASE REPORTS: In this study, the successful treatment by fibrinolytic agents and standard drainage are successfully performed in three children with a pleural effusion due to an infection.

CONCLUSION

The clinical utility, in terms of the reduction of the duration of hospitalization and additional surgical treatment, should be assessed in prospective studies.