Relatively Safer and Efficient Pleurodesis With 50% DW for Very Elderly Patients With Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Report of 2 Cases.

Abstract

I report 2 cases of pleurodesis with 50% dextrose water (DW) in very elderly patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. In both cases, a chest computed tomography scan showed a large pneumothorax with emphysema and multiple bullae. Patients were expected not to tolerate surgical treatment, considering their old age and underlying pulmonary disease. Previously, pleurodesis is performed using other chemical agents. However, chemical pleurodesis can be associated with chest pain, fever, and rarely, respiratory failure. Pleurodesis with 50% DW was performed in 2 patients with resolution of pneumothorax without complications. I recommend that even in elderly patients who could not tolerate surgery or chemical pleurodesis, pleurodesis using 50% DW could be considered because it is relatively safer and effective.