Indwelling pleural catheter and successful autopleurodesis of refractory inflammatory lupus effusion

Abstract

Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is a useful tool for refractory malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). It allows palliation by intermittent symptomatic relief of the effusion and improves quality of life. Its use in benign pleural effusions comes mainly from retrospective studies, case series, and case reports. Lupus effusion is common, causes minimal symptoms, and usually responds to either steroid therapy or immunosuppressants. Refractory lupus effusion is less common and treatment may require invasive surgical pleurectomy. We describe a 52‐year‐old woman whose first presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was a pleural effusion refractory to steroids and immunosuppressants. She successfully achieved spontaneous pleurodesis with intermittent IPC drainage at three months.

Effects of Indwelling Pleural Catheter on Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Study

“…Besides, PE is a good predictor for SAP and even better than Ranson score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APCHE II) score in reflecting the severity of SAP [ 8 , 9 ]. Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is effective for benign and malignant PE and could improve living quality of patients by intermittently relieving PE symptoms [ 10 , 11 ]. So far, PE is studied primarily as a predictor in SAP, but the effects and timing of IPC in SAP remain unclear.…”