Sotirios G Zarogiannis1, Ioannis Kalomenidis. 1. aDepartment of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa b1st Department of Critical Care & Pulmonary Medicine, University of Athens School of Medicine, 'Evangelismos' Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pleural effusion is a common clinical problem resulting from a wide range of diseases. Treatment options include targeting the primary cause or, in persistent cases, invasive removal of the excess fluid from the pleural cavity. In this review, we summarize the experimental data concerning pharmacological agents that influence pleural fluid resorption and examine their potential as a novel noninvasive treatment strategy. RECENT FINDINGS: Recently published evidence indicates that adrenergic agents and corticosteroids can increase pleural fluid clearance from the cavity. On the contrary, paracetamol and certain nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs can impede fluid outflow. These concepts are based on data extracted by in-vivo studies using provoked hydrothoraces in rabbits and mice, as well as by ex-vivo electrophysiological experiments using sheep and human pleural tissue. SUMMARY: In conclusion, the available experimental data indicate that certain pharmacological agents may impact fluid resorption, thus affecting pleural fluid accumulation and the rate of pleural effusion resolution.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pleural effusion is a common clinical problem resulting from a wide range of diseases. Treatment options include targeting the primary cause or, in persistent cases, invasive removal of the excess fluid from the pleural cavity. In this review, we summarize the experimental data concerning pharmacological agents that influence pleural fluid resorption and examine their potential as a novel noninvasive treatment strategy. RECENT FINDINGS: Recently published evidence indicates that adrenergic agents and corticosteroids can increase pleural fluid clearance from the cavity. On the contrary, paracetamol and certain nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs can impede fluid outflow. These concepts are based on data extracted by in-vivo studies using provoked hydrothoraces in rabbits and mice, as well as by ex-vivo electrophysiological experiments using sheep and humanpleural tissue. SUMMARY: In conclusion, the available experimental data indicate that certain pharmacological agents may impact fluid resorption, thus affecting pleural fluid accumulation and the rate of pleural effusion resolution.