A study of efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid versus iodopovidone in pleurodesis via pigtail catheter in management of recurrent pleural effusion

Abstract Background Researches to detect the ideal agent for pleurodesis are still continuous; iodopovidone is one of the best agents for pleurodesis that are commonly used. Tranexamic acid is also considered by many authors as a safe, cheap, and effective agent for pleurodesis. Results Group I (patients subjected to pleurodesis using tranexamic acid) had a higher complete response with a success rate 88% compared with 76% for group II (patients subjected to pleurodesis using iodopovidone) at the end of the study in 12 weeks. Complications were nearly equal in both groups. Chest pain, hypotension, and fever were the most common reported complications. Conclusions Tranexamic acid and iodopovidone were found to be effective alternative agents for pleurodesis with low cost and minimal complications.