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Bouros, D., Schiza, S., Tzanakis, N., Chalkiadakis, G., Drositis, J. and Siafakas, N. (1999) Intrapleural Urokinase versus Normal Saline in the Treatment of Complicated Parapneumonic Effusions and Empyema: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 159, 37-42.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.159.1.9803094

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Description of Prescribing Practices of Intrapleural Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Intrapleural DNase Administration at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center

  AUTHORS: Heather Torbic, Gaspar Hacobian, Nahal Beik

  KEYWORDS: Intrapleural, Tissue Plasminogen Activator, DNase, Pleural Effusion

  JOURNAL NAME: Pharmacology & Pharmacy, Vol.5 No.9, August 19, 2014

  ABSTRACT: Objectives: To describe the prescribing practices, preparation and administration techniques of intrapleural (IP) tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and IP DNase in patients at a tertiary academic medical center. Methods: Adult patients receiving IP t-PA and IP DNase between January 1-December 31, 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were included if they received IP t-PA and/or IP DNase for a pleural infection and were excluded if they received IP t-PA or IP DNase for chest tube clearance. Results: A total of 197 doses of IP t-PA and IP DNase received amongst 30 patients were included. The mean age of the patients included was 62 years old with 50% of the patients being female. Of the 30 patients included, 18 patients (60%) received both IP t-PA and IP DNase and 12 patients (40%) received only IP t-PA. The median dose of IP t-PA received was 4 mg (IQR 2-10) and the median dose of IP DNase received was 5 mg (IQR 5-5). Systemic antibiotics were administered to 77% of patients prior to IP t-PA or IP DNase administration. Improved pleural effusion drainage was reported in 70% of patients. Increased pain in the chest cavity during administration of IP t-PA or IP DNase was reported in 7% of patients. Conclusion: The majority of patients at our institution received concomitant IP t-PA and IP DNase after systemic therapy for treatment of pleural infections had been attempted. Administration of IP t-PA and IP DNase demonstrated improved drainage of pleural infections with minimal harm to patients.