Randomized trial demonstrates improved drainage and fewer surgical referrals with combined t-PA and DNase in pleural infection, suggesting an effective nonsurgical regimen.
Key Points
To assess the clinical efficacy of combined intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and DNase compared with single-agent therapy in patients suffering from pleural infection.
Interventional trial (Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN57454527) conducted in patients diagnosed with pleural infection.
Assessed intrapleural administration of combined t-PA-DNase therapy alongside single-agent regimens of DNase alone and t-PA alone.
Intrapleural combined t-PA-DNase therapy improved pleural fluid drainage and shortened the duration of hospitalization.
Combined treatment reduced the frequency of referrals for surgical intervention, whereas monotherapy with either DNase alone or t-PA alone proved ineffective.