Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: In this multi-institutional study conducted between March 1994 and February 1997, 144 patients (61 men and 83 women) were randomized in a 2:1 distribution to either an indwelling pleural catheter or doxycycline pleurodesis. Patients receiving the indwelling catheter drained their effusions via vacuum bottles every other day or as needed for relief of dyspnea. RESULTS: The median hospitalization time was 1.0 day for the catheter group and 6.5 days for the doxycycline group. The degree of symptomatic improvement in dyspnea and the quality of life was comparable in each group. Six of 28 patients who received doxycycline (21%) had a late recurrence of pleural effusion, whereas 12 of 91 patients who had an indwelling catheter (13%) had a late recurrence of their effusions or a blockage of their catheter after the initially successful treatment (P = 0.446). Of the 91 patients sent home with the pleural catheter, 42 (46%) achieved spontaneous pleurodesis at a median of 26.5 days. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | J B Putnam Jr, R W Light, R M Rodriguez, R Ponn, J Olak, J S Pollak, R B Lee, D K Payne, G Graeber, K L Kovitz |
Journal | Cancer
(Cancer)
Vol. 86
Issue 10
Pg. 1992-9
(Nov 15 1999)
ISSN: 0008-543X [Print] United States |
PMID | 10570423
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | Copyright 1999 American Cancer Society. |
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Catheters, Indwelling
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Doxycycline
(administration & dosage)
- Female
- Humans
- Length of Stay
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pleura
- Pleurodesis
- Quality of Life
- Survival Rate
- Treatment Failure
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