Abstract
BackgroundChest tube drainage and mechanical ventilation are effective treatment of symptomatic pneumothorax (PTX), but the best management of persistent (> 7 days) PTX is unknown.Case presentationWe reported a case of successful fibrin glue pleurodesis of persistent PTX in an extremely preterm infant without adverse effects. We discussed previous literature on this treatment.ConclusionsOverall, the twelve reported cases suggest that persistent PTX sealing with fibrin glue can represent a simple, quick, and effective treatment whose possible reported adverse effects are transient and do not cause permanent sequelae. Thus, fibrin glue pleurodesis might be considered a suitable therapeutic tool in very preterm infant with persistent PTX.
Highlights
Chest tube drainage and mechanical ventilation are effective treatment of symptomatic pneumothorax (PTX), but the best management of persistent (> 7 days) PTX is unknown
Chest tube drainage, positioning with the affected side down, low lung volume strategy, and high frequency oscillatory ventilation are effective treatment of PTX and allow its recovery in few days but, sometimes, mainly in patients with large bronchopleural fistulas, it can persist for several days [2]
The best management of persistent PTX in very preterm infants has not been reported in literature and the appropriate duration of standard therapy before considering more invasive procedures has not been established
Summary
Chest tube drainage and mechanical ventilation are effective treatment of symptomatic pneumothorax (PTX), but the best management of persistent (> 7 days) PTX is unknown. Case presentation: We reported a case of successful fibrin glue pleurodesis of persistent PTX in an extremely preterm infant without adverse effects. Asymptomatic PTX without underlying pulmonary disease does not require any treatment, but in case of symptomatic PTX insertion of a chest tube and air drainage are required [1]. Bhatia and Mathew proposed that PTX longer than 7 days should be defined as persistent PTX [3] They demonstrated that preterm infants with persistent PTX have higher risk of developing chronic lung disease than infants in whom PTX resolved before [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
