Long-term results of pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusions: Doxycycline vs Bleomycin.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the response of doxycycline and bleomycin in pleurodesis of malignant pleural effusions. Materials and Methods: The radiologic and clinical responses of doxycycline and bleomycin in pleurodesis of malignant pleural effusions were compared in this randomized clinical trial. Forty-two patients were randomized to receive either bleomycin 45 mg or doxycycline 600 mg as the sclerotherapy agent. Chest X-rays were taken before and after intervention, 10 days and 2 months later to compare the radiologic response. Dyspnea and other side effects, before and after intervention, 10 days and 2 months later were recorded and compared. Chi-square test was applied to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence of dyspnea and its different severities, 10 days and 2 months after intervention were significantly different ( P P Conclusion: Pleural effusions did not change with use of doxycycline and bleomycin in short time but long-term results of doxycycline sclerotherapy was better than bleomycin sclerotherapy in malignant pleural effusions that was supported by this study. However, additional studies with larger sample size are necessary to confirm the results.