Oral Forms of Tetracycline and Doxycycline Are Effective in Producing Pleurodesis* Semra Bilaceroglu, MD, FCCP; Yubiao Guo, MD; Michael L. Hawthorne, MD;Zhiwen Zhu, MD; Georgios T. Stathopoulos, MD; Kirk B. Lane, PhD; andRichard W. Light, MD, FCCPPurpose: We investigated whether oral tetracyclines could produce an efficient and safe pleurodesis as does parenteral doxycycline, which is currently unavailable in many countries. Methods: Parenteral doxycycline (10 mg/kg), oral tetracycline (35 mg/kg), or doxycycline (10 mg/kg) was injected intrapleurally through a right chest tube in rabbits. The oral forms were dissolved in saline solution and passed through a sterile membrane filter. When daily aspirated pleural fluid was < 5 mL/24 h, the chest tube was removed. Fluid WBC, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and protein levels were measured 24 h after the injection. After the death of the animals on day 14, pleurodesis was graded from 1 (none) to 8 (> 50% symphysis) by two observers blinded to treatment groups. Results: The right pleurodesis score of the combined oral groups (median, 7.0; interquartile range [IQR], 4.0; n ؍ 26) did not differ significantly (p ؍ 0.349) from that of the parenteral group (median, 7.5; IQR, 6.0; n ؍ 10). Oral tetracycline (capsule or tablet, n ؍ 6 in each group) and doxycycline (capsule or tablet, n ؍ 7 in each group) were as effective as parenteral doxycycline in producing pleurodesis: tetracycline capsule (median, 7.50; IQR, 6.00); tetracycline tablet (me- dian, 6.50; IQR, 6.00); doxycycline capsule (median, 4.00; IQR, 1.00); doxycycline tablet (median, 8.00; IQR, 5.00), and parenteral doxycycline (median, 7.50; IQR, 6.00) [p ؍ 0.235]. The left pleurodesis scores were 1.00 in all 36 rabbits. Fluid total volume, WBC, LDH, and protein levels were comparable between each oral and parenteral group, excluding WBCs in the tetracycline tablet group (p ؍ 0.047). The complications were nonfatal (right hemothorax: tetracycline capsule [n ؍ 3]/tetracycline tablet [n ؍ 2], doxycycline tablet [n ؍ 2], parenteral doxycycline [n ؍ 2]; left hemothorax: tetracycline capsule [n ؍ 1]; ascites: parenteral doxycycline [n ؍ 1]). There was no growth on all filtrate cultures. Oral forms cost less than parenteral doxycycline (<$1 vs $4.72 per rabbit). Filtering costs were $1.12 per rabbit. Conclusion: Oral tetracycline or doxycycline is as effective and safe as parenteral doxycycline in producing pleurodesis in rabbits; thus, they may also be used in humans. (CHEST 2005; 128:3750 –3756) Key words: capsule; doxycycline; pleurodesis; tablet; tetracycline Abbreviations: IQR ϭ intraquartile range; LDH ϭ lactate dehydrogenase; MMP ϭ matrix degrading metalloproteinase Pleurodesis is the obliteration of the pleural space pleurodesis. Most of the agents used for pleurodesis
by fusion of the visceral and parietal pleurae with
injure the pleura and cause an inflammatory reaction
fibrous tissue. Recurrent and symptomatic pleural
together with a pleural effusion. Subsequently, the
effusions and pneumothoraces are indications for
local activation of the coagulation system and theproduction of fibrogenic cytokines such as trans-
*From the Department of Pulmonary Medicine (Dr. Bilacero-glu), Izmir Training and Research Hospital for Thoracic Medi-
This study was supported by the Saint Thomas Foundation,
cine and Surgery, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Pulmonary
Medicine (Drs. Hawthorne and Light), Vanderbilt University and
Manuscript received March 31, 2005; revision accepted June 24,
St. Thomas Hospital, Nashville, TN; Department of Respiratory
and Critical Care Medicine (Drs. Guo and Zhu), First Affiliated
Reproduction of this article is prohibited without written permission
Hospital of Sun Yatsen University, Guangzhou, PR China; and
from the American College of Chest Physicians (www.chestjournal.
Department of Pulmonary Medicine (Drs. Stathopoulos and
Lane), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Correspondence to: Semra Bilaceroglu, MD, FCCP, Associate
This study was presented as a poster at the ACCP Congress,
Professor of Pulmonology, 6026 Sokak, No. 197/22, 35560Bostanli, Izmir, Turkey; e-mail: [email protected]Downloaded From: http://journal.publications.chestnet.org/ on 03/10/2014
forming growth factor  lead to the production of
through the one-way valve. A local anesthetic was applied into the
collagen that can result in a pleurodesis.1
incision area before it was sutured since the rabbits were not
Currently talc,2 tetracycline derivatives,3–5 and
given full general anesthesia. The left pleural cavity was used forcontrol.
bleomycin5,6 are the most frequently used sclerosingagents. A survey study by Lee et al7 questioning
pleurodesis practice for malignant pleural effusionsin five English-speaking countries reported that talc
Thirty-six rabbits were allocated into tetracycline capsule
was the most commonly used agent, followed by
(n ϭ 6), tetracycline tablet (n ϭ 6), doxycycline capsule (n ϭ 7),
tetracycline derivatives and bleomycin. Bleomycin is
doxycycline tablet (n ϭ 7), and parenteral doxycycline (n ϭ 10)groups. Oral forms of tetracycline (35 mg/kg) or doxycycline (10
more expensive1,6 and less efficient than tetracycline
mg /kg), or parenteral doxycycline (10 mg/kg) dissolved in 2 mL
derivatives1 or talc.1,2 The intrapleural injection of
0.9% sodium chloride were injected intrapleurally immediately
talc can cause ARDS and death.7,8 Although tetracy-
after chest tube placement. Injection of tetracycline or doxycy-
cline (35 mg/kg) was the most effective compound
cline was followed by an injection of 1 mL of 0.9% sodium
when original animal experiments on producing
chloride solution to clear the dead space of the chest tube.
The tetracycline and doxycycline capsule contents and all of
pleurodesis in rabbits were performed,9,10 the par-
the tetracycline and doxycycline tablets were previously dissolved
enteral form of tetracycline is currently not available
in 0.9% normal saline solution using sterile methods. Subse-
in most countries. Subsequently, parenteral doxycy-
quently, the solution was filtered through a 0.2-m sterile and
cline was used for pleurodesis at an approximate
nonpyrogenic polyethersulfone membrane (Puradisc 25 AS, 25
dose of 10 mg/kg and was shown to have comparable
mm in diameter; Whatman; Clifton, NJ) to remove infectiousmaterials and other particulate matter. The sterility of the filtered
effectiveness with tetracycline at 35 mg/kg.3,5,11,12
solutions was assessed by bacterial culture. The total amount of
However, parenteral doxycycline is also not available
inactive ingredients in each tablet or capsule was determined by
currently in many parts of the world. In contrast,
weighing the tablet or the contents of the capsule and then
tetracycline and doxycycline capsules and tablets are
subtracting the stated amount of the tetracycline derivative.
available worldwide but (to our knowledge) havenever been tested for their efficacy and safety in
Measurements for Pleural Fluid and Follow-up
producing pleurodesis. We hypothesized that they
After the intrapleural injection, the chest tube was aspirated at
can produce pleurodesis as efficaciously, safely, and
24-h intervals for any pleural fluid that had accumulated. The
cost effectively as their parenteral forms.
volumes of the aspirated fluids were recorded. The levels ofprotein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and WBC were measuredin the fluid collected 24 h after the injection. The protein and
LDH levels were determined with an automated analyzer (John-son & Johnson; Rochester, NY). The lower and upper limits of
The study protocol was approved by the Vanderbilt University
normal serum LDH are 120 IU/L and 200 IU/L, respectively, by
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. The methods
this method. The total WBC count was measured using an
used were similar to those described in our previous studies.13,14
automated counter (Coulter Electronics; Luton, UK) that wascalibrated daily. The first reading was ignored, and the mean ofthe next three readings was recorded.
Gentamicin (2 mg/kg) was administered IM every 24 h until
New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2.5 to 3 kg were anesthe-
the removal of the chest tubes. The chest tube was removed
tized with an IM injection of 35 mg/kg of ketamine hydrochloride
under light sedation when the pleural fluid drainage was Ͻ 5 mL
(Fort Dodge Animal Health Laboratories; Fort Dodge, IA) and 5
mg/kg of xylazine hydrochloride (Fermenta; Kansas City, MO). The chest was shaved, and the skin was sterilized with 10%
povidone iodine (Baxter; Deerfield, IL). The rabbit was placed inthe left lateral decubitus position, and a skin incision Ͻ 3 cm was
Rabbits were killed on day 14 by carbon dioxide euthanasia
made midway between the tip of the right scapula and the
following sedation. The thorax was removed en bloc. The lungs
sternum, approximately 2 cm above the costal margin. A chest
were expanded by the injection of 50 mL of 10% neutral-
tube (silicone tube, 0.062-inch internal diameter and 0.125-inch
buffered formalin into the exposed trachea. The trachea was then
outer diameter; Braintree Scientific; Braintree, MA) with three
ligated, and the entire thorax was submerged into 10% neutral-
extra openings near the distal end to enhance drainage was then
buffered formalin solution for at least 48 h. To assess the
inserted by blunt dissection into the right pleural cavity and was
pleurodesis, the pleural cavity was carefully exposed as previously
secured at the muscle layers with purse-string sutures. The
described.13,14 Using a semiquantitative scheme, a consensus
proximal end of the chest tube was tunneled underneath the skin
grading on the degree of macroscopic pleurodesis was reached by
and drawn out through the skin posteriorly and superiorly
two investigators (K.B.L. and R.W.L.) blinded to the treatment
between the two scapulae. A three-way stopcock (Medex; Dublin,
group. The degree of pleurodesis was graded using the following
OH) was attached to the end of the chest tube via an adapter
scale: 1 ϭ no adhesions between the visceral and parietal pleura;
through which pleural air was evacuated from the pleural space.
2 ϭ rare adhesions between the visceral and parietal pleura with
The three-way stopcock was then removed from the chest tube,
no symphysis; 3 ϭ a few scattered adhesions between the visceral
and the exterior end of the chest tube was sealed with a one-way
and parietal pleura with no symphysis; 4 ϭ many adhesions
valve with a cap (Medex) via the adapter and was sutured to the
between the visceral and parietal pleura with no symphysis;
skin. Any pleural fluid or air that accumulated could be aspirated
5 ϭ many adhesions between the visceral and parietal pleura
Downloaded From: http://journal.publications.chestnet.org/ on 03/10/2014
with symphysis involving Ͻ 5% of the hemithorax; 6 ϭ many
difference in the 24-h pleural fluid volume achieved
adhesions between the visceral and parietal pleura with symphy-
statistical significance (p ϭ 0.024). When the four
sis involving 5 to 25% of the hemithorax; 7 ϭ many adhesions
oral groups were compared regarding all parameters,
between the visceral and parietal pleura with symphysis involving25 to 50% of the hemithorax; and 8 ϭ many adhesions between
the only significant difference was that the 72-h
the visceral and parietal pleura with symphysis involving Ͼ 50%
pleural fluid volume was significantly higher in the
of the hemithorax. Adhesions were defined as fibrous connec-
tetracycline capsule group than in the doxycycline
tions between the visceral and parietal pleura. Symphysis was
capsule group (p ϭ 0.032) [Table 2].
present if the visceral and parietal pleura were difficult to
There were no significant differences in the pleu-
ral fluid LDH or protein levels between the groupsor when the four groups that received the oral
preparations were combined and compared with the
The data were expressed as mean Ϯ SD when they were
group that received the parenteral doxycycline. The
normally distributed, and as median (intraquartile range [IQR])
pleural fluid WBC level was significantly lower in the
when they were not normally distributed. One-way analysis of
group that received parenteral doxycycline than
variance was used to compare the means, and the Kruskal-Wallistest was used to compare the medians between the groups. The
in the group that received tetracycline tablet
correlations were assessed by the Pearson product moment
(p ϭ 0.047), and the combined oral group (p ϭ 0.036)
correlation test. All data were analyzed with statistical software
[Table 1]. However, pleural fluid WBC levels of the
(Sigma Stat; SPSS; Chicago, IL). A p value Ͻ 0.05 was considered
parenteral group (median, 2,564/L; IQR, 1,784/L;
n ϭ 10) and the combined oral group excluding thetetracycline tablet group (median, 9,077/L; IQR,2,722/L; n ϭ 20) were comparable (p ϭ 0.144).
Each of the oral forms of tetracycline or doxycy-
The intrapleural injection of each of the five
cline was as efficacious as parenteral doxycycline in
preparations elicited an exudative pleural effusion
producing pleurodesis in rabbits (p ϭ 0.235) [Fig 1].
(Table 1). Thirty of the effusions (83%) were bloody
Furthermore, the right pleurodesis score of the four
oral groups combined (median, 7.0; IQR, 4.0;
The volumes of aspirated pleural fluids at 24 h,
n ϭ 26) did not differ significantly (p ϭ 0.349) from
48 h, and 72 h after pleural instillation and the total
that of the parenteral doxycycline group (median,
volumes were comparable between each group re-
7.5; IQR, 6.0; n ϭ 10). The combined oral group
ceiving an oral form and receiving parenteral doxy-
excluding the tetracycline tablet group (median, 7.0;
cycline (p Ͼ 0.05). These volumes tended to be less
IQR, 3.0; n ϭ 20) was also comparable (p ϭ 0.415)
in the combined oral group (n ϭ 26) than in the
to the parenteral group regarding the right pleurode-
parenteral doxycycline group (n ϭ 10), but only the
sis score. The left pleural score in each rabbit in allfive groups was 1.
A significantly positive correlation existed between
the right pleurodesis score and total, 24-h, 48-h, or
Table 1—Pleural Fluid WBC, LDH, and Protein Levels
72-h pleural fluid volume, and the fluid protein level. in Each of the Oral Groups, the Combined Oral
Thus, efficiency of pleurodesis tended to be better in
Group, and the Parenteral Doxycycline Group*
the presence of larger fluid volume or higher fluid
protein level. However, no significant correlation
was found for fluid WBC or LDH levels and thepleurodesis scores (Table 3).
All 36 rabbits survived without any major distress
until death. Right hemothoraces occupying 20 to
90% of the hemithorax were observed at autopsy in
three rabbits in the tetracycline capsule group, and
in two rabbits in each of the tetracycline tablet,
doxycycline tablet, and parenteral doxycycline
groups, while one 5% left hemothorax was observed
TETcap ϭ tetracycline capsule; TETtab ϭ tetracycline tablet;DOXcap ϭ doxycycline capsule; DOXtab ϭ doxycycline tablet;
in the tetracycline capsule group. This left hemotho-
rax accompanied one of the above-mentioned right
hemothoraces. In the rabbits with hemothoraces, the
pleurodesis scores ranged between 6 and 8. One
rabbit from the parenteral doxycycline group was
ʈp ϭ 0.036 vs DOXpe group. ¶p ϭ 0.322 vs DOXpe group.
noted to have moderate ascites at death but no
hemothorax. This rabbit had a pleurodesis score of 6. Downloaded From: http://journal.publications.chestnet.org/ on 03/10/2014 Table 2—Volumes of Aspirated Pleural Fluid in Each of the Oral Groups, the Combined Oral Group, and the Parenteral Doxycycline Group*
*Data are presented as median (IQR) or mean Ϯ SD. See Table 1 for expansion of abbreviations. †p ϭ 0.649 vs DOXpe group. ‡p ϭ 0.394 vs DOXpe group. §p ϭ 0.032 vs DOXpe group.
ʈp ϭ 0.097 vs DOXpe group. ¶p ϭ 0.024 vs DOXpe group. #p ϭ 0.090 vs DOXpe group. **p ϭ 0.367 vs DOXpe group. ††p ϭ 0.087 vs DOXpe group.
There was no growth on microbiological culture of
tablet ($0.10), and doxycycline capsule ($0.48) and
the filtered oral tetracycline or doxycycline solutions.
tablet ($0.95) were lower than that of parenteral
When a 100-mg doxycycline capsule was dissolved in
doxycycline ($4.72). The cost of each filter used in
10 mL of saline solution and then filtered, the
prefiltration and postfiltration concentrations of thedoxycycline capsule solution did not differ signifi-cantly (10 mg/mL vs 11.8 mg/mL, respectively).
Based on the per-tablet costs of a tetracycline
250-mg capsule ($0.25) or tablet ($0.23), doxycycline
Our study demonstrates that oral forms of tetracy-
100-mg capsule ($1.44) or tablet ($3.16), and per vial
cline or doxycycline are as effective and safe as paren-
cost of doxycycline 100 mg injectable ($15.73), the
teral doxycycline in producing pleurodesis in rabbits.
per -rabbit cost of tetracycline capsule ($0.10) and
The oral forms are less expensive and more widely
Figure 1. Individual pleurodesis scores in oral tetracycline (n ϭ 6 in each) and doxycycline groups
(n ϭ 7 in each) compared with those in parenteral doxycycline group (n ϭ 10) [p ϭ 0.235]. See Table
Downloaded From: http://journal.publications.chestnet.org/ on 03/10/2014 Table 3—Correlation of Pleural Fluid Features With
bined oral group with or without tetracycline tablet
Right Pleurodesis Scores in All 36 Rabbits*
group was comparable to that of the parenteraldoxycycline group.
The median right pleurodesis scores obtained with
the oral forms of tetracycline and doxycycline ranged
from 4.0 to 8.0, being Ն 6.5 in three of the four
groups. Thus, 70% (18 of 26 animals) of the oral
group had a pleurodesis with many adhesions and
accompanying symphysis involving Ն 5% of the
hemithorax. The doxycycline capsule group had the
*Pearson product moment correlation test.
lowest mean score, which was 4.0. It can be seen inFigure 1 that the pleurodesis score was 1.0 in threeof the rabbits in this group. Furthermore, in these
available than the parenteral forms. It is likely that
three cases, pleural fluid total volumes (Յ 1.5 mL),
these results can be extrapolated to human subjects
and protein (Յ 2.82 g/dL), LDH (Յ 3,102 IU/L),
since parenteral tetracycline4,6,15 and doxycycline3,5,15
and WBC (Յ 10,370/L) levels tended to be lower
have been extensively studied and shown to be effective
than those of the other rabbits with higher pleurode-
and safe in producing pleurodesis in patients.
sis scores in the same and other groups. We believe
The ingredients other than tetracycline or doxycy-
that technical problems with the pleurodesis explain
cline in tablets or capsules are in small amounts.
these three low scores. Although we cannot prove it,
There is 10-mg filling in a 250-mg tetracycline tablet,
we believe that the chest tubes were misplaced in
100-mg filling in a 500-mg tetracycline capsule, 25-
these three rabbits such that the doxycycline partly
to 50-mg filling in a 100-mg doxycycline tablet, and
or never entered the pleural space. Another possible
100- to 350-mg filling in a 100-mg doxycycline
explanation for the lower score in the doxycycline
capsule. Depending on the form (capsule/tablet) and
capsule group could be that the doxycycline was
also the product from different producers, these
incompletely dissolved or that it was removed by the
inactive ingredients may include anhydrous lactose,
filter. However, when we dissolved the contents of
colloidal silicone dioxide, magnesium stearate, meth-
one 100-mg doxycycline capsule in 10 mL of saline
ylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene
solution and then filtered, the measured concentra-
glycol, sodium starch glycolate, stearic acid, titanium
tion of doxycycline in the solution was 11.8 mg/mL
dioxide, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Red No. 40,
with an expected concentration of 10.0 mg/mL.
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, propylene glycol, po-
Accordingly, the poorer results with the doxycycline
vidone, talc, triacetin, aluminum lake, polyparaben,
capsule cannot be blamed on lower concentrations of
methylparaben sodium citrate, potassium sorbate,
xanthan gum, progyl paraben, and polyethylene gly-
To create a pleurodesis, usually the pleura is
injured with a sclerosing agent that leads to an
One might question whether one of these other
inflammatory response that can result in pleurodesis.
substances might be responsible for the pleurodesis.
After instillation of a sclerosing agent, the pleural
The only two substances in the above list that have
inflammation is indicated by the accumulating exu-
been shown to produce pleurodesis are talc2,8,11 and
dative pleural fluid with high WBC, protein, and
povidone.17 However, in the current study, we did
LDH levels.12,18–20 In all of the 36 rabbits in the
not use any product containing talc, and povidone is
current study, the aspirated pleural fluid was an
present only in the tetracycline tablets we used.
exudate with total volumes of 9.21 to 26.10 mL, and
Povidone is not likely to have a role in the pleurode-
high LDH (Ͼ 1,900 U/L), WBC (Ͼ 2,500/L), and
sis score of the tetracycline tablet group considering
protein levels (Ͼ 2.90 g/dL). It also was bloody
the minute amount administered (Ͻ 10 mg per
appearing in 83% of the rabbits. The positive corre-
250-mg tetracycline tablet that equates to Ͻ 4.2 mg
lation between the pleural score and fluid volume or
per rabbit). Moreover, the tetracycline capsule group
protein level in the current study supports the
that did not receive any povidone had a higher
importance of inflammation in pleurodesis. A posi-
pleurodesis score than the tetracycline tablet group.
tive correlation would also be expected for fluid
Previous studies have shown that only larger doses of
LDH and WBC levels since they also are surrogates
povidone in humans (20 mg/kg)17 or rabbits (40 mg
of inflammation. However, in the present study,
in total) produce an effective pleurodesis (Yubiao
pleural fluid LDH and WBC were not significantly
Guo, MD; personal communication; December
correlated with the pleurodesis score.
2003). In addition to all of the above, the pleurodesis
There were some differences between the groups
score of the tetracycline tablet group, or the com-
regarding the features of the pleural fluid. The
Downloaded From: http://journal.publications.chestnet.org/ on 03/10/2014
pleural fluid WBC in the parenteral doxycycline
Right hemothoraces occurred in a total of nine
group was significantly lower than that in the com-
rabbits receiving intrapleural tetracycline deriva-
bined oral group with the highest pleural fluid WBC
tives. Although a high incidence of hemothorax10,12
occurring in the tetracycline tablet group. One pos-
and substantial mortality10 was reported in rabbits
sible explanation for the higher WBC (8,623 to
administered intrapleural tetracycline derivatives
17,998 cells/L) in the oral groups than the paren-
without chest tube drainage, in a more recent
teral group (2,564/L) could be additional inflam-
study,18 insertion of a chest tube and daily aspirations
mation due to the fillers present in the oral forms. It
of the accumulating fluid have prevented hemotho-
is noteworthy that the group with the highest WBC
rax and led to a better pleurodesis in rabbits. Simi-
level, the tetracycline tablet group, was the only
larly, hemothorax or mortality has not been reported
group that received povidone as a filler. However, if
in human subjects receiving intrapleural tetracycline
this were the explanation, one would also expect the
or its derivatives and also being drained with chest
fluid volume, LDH, and protein levels to be signif-
tube.2–6,15,24–28 In the current study, the complica-
icantly higher; however, they were all comparable.
tions including right or bilateral hemothorax and
Furthermore, tetracycline tablet did not induce
ascites did not have a significantly adverse effect on
the highest pleurodesis score. In fact, it induced the
the pleurodesis efficiency since the pleurodesis
second lowest among the other scores. Thus, the
scores ranged between 6 and 8 in these rabbits daily
highest WBC level in the tetracycline tablet group
aspirated for pleural fluid. Furthermore, there was
did not result in a significantly higher pleurodesis
no major morbidity or mortality due to these com-
plications. No infectious complication was observed
Tetracycline and doxycycline are dose-dependent
in any of the rabbits. This may be at least partly due
effective inhibitors of matrix-degrading metallopro-
to the fact that the solutions prepared with the oral
teinase (MMP) activity in pleural fluid. They may
forms were filtered to eliminate any infectious
also reduce the synthesis of MMP via nonspecific
agents. Moreover, antibiotic treatment until removal
cell injury. At a concentration of Ն 1 mg/mL, both
of the chest tube, removal of the chest tube right
drugs reduce MMP activity by Ͼ 75%. These data
after pleural fluid is Ͻ 5 mL, meticulous care for
suggest one possible mechanism for tetracycline or
sterility during and after surgery, and the antibiotic
doxycycline pleurodesis.21 Thus, the pleural fibrotic
nature of the sclerosing agents used might have
process needed for pleurodesis is augmented by the
prevented infection. As evidenced by animal9–12,18,19
reduction of MMP activity that favors remodeling
and human studies,2–6,15,24–28 infectious complica-
through normal repair of the tissue rather than
tions due to use of tetracycline and its derivatives in
fibrosis.22 Another proposed mechanism is that tet-
pleurodesis are not as frequent as those with other
racyclines stimulate mesothelial cells to release a
agents such as talc,29 Corynebacterium parvum,30
growth factor-like activity for fibroblasts.23 Further-
and cytotoxic agents30 (almost none vs 3%).
more, both tetracycline24 and doxycycline12 pleu-
Intense pleural pain caused by the intrapleural
rodesis is effective at neutral pH, suggesting a
injection of tetracycline or its derivatives is a well-
mechanism of action independent of acid injury to
known complication of pleurodesis. Usually, con-
scious sedation with benzodiazepines or analgesia
That most of the aspirated pleural fluids (83%)
with a narcotic drug is recommended before starting
after intrapleural injections of tetracyclines were
pleurodesis with tetracycline and its derivatives.3–
bloody appearing might have produced a positive
6,25–28 In our study, we did not observe signs of pain
effect on pleurodesis since bloody fluids may lead to
in any rabbit, but this is probably due to the fact that
formation of adhesions and, thus, augment pleurode-
the tetracycline compounds were injected while the
sis. Previously, tetracyclines have been shown to
cause bloody effusions and hemothoraces in animal
The cost of oral forms of tetracycline or doxycy-
studies.10,12,18 These bloody effusions may be a com-
cline for each rabbit is approximately 1/50 to 1/5 of
ponent in the natural course of pleurodesis by
parenteral doxycycline: Ͻ $1 vs nearly $5. When
tetracyclines (intense pleural inflammation3 exuda-
proportioned to a 60-kg human, these costs are
tive pleural effusion ϩ neovascularization ϩ increas-
Ͻ $20 vs nearly $100. The cost of the filter we used
ing negative intrapleural pressure due to fibrosis3
for each rabbit in filtering oral tetracycline and
rupture of newly formed fragile capillaries3 bloody
doxycycline is $1.12. Thus, the total expense of
effusions). The critical point is that excess of these
pleurodesis increases to Ͻ $2.2 per rabbit and $21.2
fluids should be aspirated to bring visceral and
per human. However, the cost of oral forms of tetra-
parietal pleurae to apposition for an effective pleu-
cycline or doxycycline combined with that of filter
rodesis. In the current study, appropriate daily aspi-
still remains considerably lower than the cost of
rations of the pleural fluids were performed. Downloaded From: http://journal.publications.chestnet.org/ on 03/10/2014
In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that
14 Gary Lee YC, Teixeira LR, Devin CJ, et al. Transforming
the intrapleural injection of the oral forms of tetra-
growth factor-2 induces pleurodesis significantly faster than
cycline and doxycycline dissolved in sterile saline
talc. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2001; 163:640 – 644
15 Dryzer SR, Allen ML, Strange C, et al. A comparison of
solution produces a pleurodesis that is comparable to
rotation and nonrotation in tetracycline pleurodesis. Chest
that produced by the intrapleural injection of paren-
teral doxycycline in rabbits. Thus, in countries where
16 Medical Economics Staff, ed. Physicians’ desk reference
parenteral tetracycline and doxycycline are not avail-
2003, 57th ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR, 2003; 2194,
able, oral forms of these drugs may also be used in
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17 Olivares-Torres CA, Laniado-Laborin R, Chavez-Garcia C, et
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BASIC INFORMATION of the condition, with applications 1-3 times weekly being common. Description The yeast Malassezia pachydermatis commonly lives on the skin Selenium sulfide 1% ( Selsun Blue ) is recommended if the skin of dogs but may grow excessively and cause a skin infection. is greasy, waxy, and scaly, but it is irritating to some animals Breeds that are predisposed to
Group Pension Managed Funds Update to 31st December 2005 Summary Group Pension Managed Funds ended 2005 with yet another positive month. The final quarter of the year saw funds return 4.9% on average. Over the year, the average fund return was an excellent 21.6%, the best yearly return since 1997. Over the three years to 31st December 2005 the average fund return has been 14.7% per