Can intrapleural C-reactive protein predict VATS pleurodesis failure?
GROUND: Intrapleural inflammatory reaction after surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax is a key indicator whether an effective pleurodesis has been achieved. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that intrapleural C-reactive protein (CRP) might precisely quantify the postoperative pleural inflammation, offering potentially useful information for patient management. METHODS: The study population consisted of 75 consecutive patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic pleurectomy or pleural abrasion for spontaneous pneumothorax between April 2003 and August 2004. We assessed CRP levels in pleural and blood samples taken daily in the first 4 postoperative days. RESULTS: Intrapleural CRP profile was significantly lower in patients who underwent pleural abrasion, in younger patients (< 25 years) and in patients who were not drained before surgery. Patients with pleurodesis failure had a lower CRP peak with a delayed peak. Receiving operating characteristics (ROC) analysis showed tha
