Prolonged Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Exposure After Pleurodesis Increases Pneumothorax Recurrence: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in patients undergoing pleurodesis remains controversial. Although many surgeons are comfortable prescribing NSAIDs post-operatively, some oppose this practice due to concerns of suppressing the inflammatory response and quality of pleurodesis. Only a small body of inconsistent publications exists with respect to guiding therapy in this common clinical scenario. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken assessing effect of NSAID exposure on pleurodesis outcomes. An institutional thoracic surgery database was reviewed yielding 147 patients who underwent pleurodesis for pneumothorax between 2010 and 2018. Medical records and imaging were reviewed for patient characteristics, NSAID exposure, recurrent pneumothorax and other adverse events. There was no overall difference between rates of recurrence and procedural failure of pleurodesis (Relative Risk [RR] 1.67 [95% CI 0.74-3.77]). However, NSAID exposure of >48 hours was associated with increased risk of recurrent pneumothorax (RR 2.16 [95% CI 1.05-4.45]). There was no increased rate of other adverse events related to NSAID usage. NSAID exposure does not increase failure rates or other adverse events following pleurodesis for pneumothorax. However, prolonged NSAID exposure post-pleurodesis may increase procedural failure rates. Further large volume randomised control trials are required.