Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 1997;35:95; doi:10.1136/dtb.1997.351295
Copyright © 1997 by the BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

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Intrapleural streptokinase for empyema?

Relevant BNF section: 2.10.2

Pus collection within the pleural cavity (empyema) is a potentially fatal complication of pneumonia. Typically, treatment includes drainage of the infected fluid. Several small uncontrolled studies have suggested that drainage via a catheter can be improved by the intrapleural instillation of low-dose streptokinase. The first randomised controlled trial of this use of streptokinase has been published recently.¹ We discuss the implications of this study's findings.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. W. H. Davies, Z. C. Traill, F. V. Gleeson, and R. J. O. Davies Intrapleural Streptokinase in the Management of Malignant Multiloculated Pleural Effusions Chest, March 1, 1999; 115(3): 729 - 733. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]