J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Jan;32(1):115-119.

Short- & Long-term Effectiveness of Intracavitary Urokinase in Loculated Thoracic Empyema

• Han YM
• Choi KC
• Kim CS
• Chung GH
• Sohn MH
• Jeong TG

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effectivensess of intracavitary urokinase with percutaneous catheter drainage in Ioculated thoracic empyemas.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
15 patients were identified as second stage of Ioculated thoracic empyema by estimating nature of pleural fluid, chest PA, lateral decubitus view and CT scan. Under the guidance of fluoroscopy or ultrasound, catheter was inserted percutaneously. Instillation of urokinase was started when amount of drained fluid became less than 30ml per day with 100,000U of urokinase mixed with 100ml of normal saline. Trial of urokinase was repeated until complete drainage of empyema was demonstrated on plain chest film obtained after 48 hours.
RESULTS
Successful complete drainage was achieved in 14 of 15 patients. In long-term study, complete resorption was demonstrated in 11 of 12 patients. Average dosage of used urokinase was 330,000U and mean duration of catherter insertion was 35 days.
CONCLUSION
lntracavitary urokinase with percutaneous catheter drainage is a safe and effective method to facilitate drainage of Ioculated empyema and to prevent recurrence.

MeSH Terms

Catheters
Drainage
Empyema
Empyema, Pleural*
Fluoroscopy
Humans
Recurrence
Thorax
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Ultrasonography
Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator*
Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator