Treatment Outcome with Talc or Povidone Iodine in Recurrent Pneumothorax or Recurrent Pleural Effusion

Abstract Background: The present study assessed the treatment outcome of pleurodesis with talc or povidone iodine in recurrent pneumothorax or recurrent pleural effusion and the efficacy and safety of talc or povidone iodine in the same. Materials and Methods: A total of 23 patients with recurrent pneumothorax (15) and recurrent pleural effusion (8) were enrolled. Pleurodesis with either talc or povidone iodine was performed via intercostal drainage tube. Treatment outcome along with complications was studied by routine follow up of patients for 6 months. Results: A total of 23 patients (19 males and 4 females) were included in the study. 16 patients were subjected to povidone iodine pleurodesis while 7 patients underwent talc pleurodesis. Mean age of patients was 38.68+19.6 for the povidone iodine group and 43.85+16.32 for the talc group. Eight (34.78%) patients had recurrent pleural effusion whereas 15 (65.21%) patients had recurrent pneumothorax. Post procedure pain was experienced by 5 (31.25%) patients in the povidone iodine group and 4 (57.14%) patients in the talc group. Two (12.5%) and one (14.28%) patient had fever following povidone iodine and talc pleurodesis respectively. Pleurodesis was successful in 13 (81.25%) patients in the povidone iodine group and 7 (100%) patients in the talc group, during the follow up period of 6 months. Conclusion: Both talc and povidone iodine are effective pleurodesis agents and povidone iodine can be considered a good alternative to talc as a pleurodesis agent in recurrent cases of pneumothorax or pleural effusion, irrespective of the underlying cause, as it is safe, easily available and cost effective. Keywords: Recurrent pneumothorax, Recurrent pleural effusion, Pleurodesis, Talc, Povidone Iodine