The use of fibrinolytic therapy for parapneumonic effusion in pregnancy: a case report and a review

Abstract

The use of intrapleural fibrinolytics for complicated parapneumonic effusion has been shown to be an effective and safe alternative to surgery. However, there is limited evidence about its use during pregnancy. We present a case and a review of the literature of pregnant women who had successful treatment of their complicated parapneumonic effusion with intrapleural fibrinolytics. To our knowledge this is the first review of cases of pregnant women with parapneumonic effusion managed with intrapleural fibrinolytic.